Mumbai: Special NDPS Court Acquits Man In MD Drug Case, Cites Procedural Lapses In Seizure

Mumbai, September 10, 2026: The special NDPS court has acquitted Raees Sayyed, who was booked by the Mumbai Crime Branch in May 2023 after being found with 58 grams of MD. The court ruled that the police did not follow the proper procedure as per the NDPS Act, casting doubt on the seizure of the contraband drugs. According to the prosecution, Sayyed was arrested on May 24, 2023, after being noticed suspiciously near Sion bridge.

A search of his person revealed 50 grams of Mephedrone (MD) powder. Subsequently, his residence was searched, and another 100 grams of MD powder was discovered in the drawer of a wardrobe. Sayyed's lawyer, Shekhar Bhandari, argued that there was no adherence to mandatory provisions under the NDPS Act during both the personal and house searches.

The defense claimed that the accused was not informed of his right to be searched in front of a Magistrate, and that there was no evidence of the accused possessing the drugs. The court acknowledged the defense's arguments and noted that the search team began their operations at around 6:25 am. They conducted the house search from 7 am to 8:15 am.

However, the court observed that the independent witness called at 7 pm on May 25 contradicted the prosecution's evidence, casting further doubt on the search and seizure process.