Bombay HC Rejects Businessman's Discharge Plea In Massive 1,837 Kg Drug Trafficking Case

The Bombay High Court has denied a plea by businessman Nishant Modi to be discharged from a major drug trafficking case involving the seizure of more than 1,837 kg of mephedrone. Justice MM Sathaye ruled that the substantial quantity of drugs recovered and the severity of the offense necessitate a trial. The court emphasized that the allegations against Modi require examination during the trial, as the evidence cannot be assessed in detail at the stage of framing charges.

The case stems from a police interception in February 2024, which led to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) uncovering an alleged drug trafficking syndicate. NCB agents arrested 16 individuals, including Modi, and later submitted evidence to the court. Senior advocate Rajiv Chavan argued that financial transactions revealed payments made from Modi's bank account to co-accused persons, along with digital communications on his mobile phone supporting the allegations.

The court also noted that Modi had missed multiple summons and a look-out circular was issued against him. His counsel, Parvez Memon, denied any involvement in the alleged drug trafficking and claimed that the transactions were legitimate business payments related to his courier business. The High Court dismissed the plea, noting that a detailed assessment of the evidence could only be made after the trial, and found sufficient grounds to proceed against Modi.