August 15, 2026
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This regular bail application was filed under the NDPS Act by the applicant, who was arrested on July 24, 2025, at Cochin Airport via a Look Out Circular (LoC) and accused by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of being the kingpin of an international drug cartel. The High Court of Delhi allowed the bail application, noting that no contraband was recovered from the applicant, the primary evidence against him consisted of co-accused disclosure statements, telephonic records lacked intercepted proof, and bank transactions were consistent with a legitimate spice business. Furthermore, the court considered the fact that charges had not even been framed yet and co-accused individuals had already been released on bail.
- Factual Background:
- Following a 2021 raid where the NCB recovered charas and methamphetamine from a parcel service and various co-accused residences, the applicant was implicated based on disclosure statements alleging he directed the booking as a cartel kingpin.
- An LoC was issued, and he was apprehended at Cochin Airport on July 24, 2025.
- Arguments of the Applicant:
- The applicant maintained his innocence, stating he had been in custody since July 2025 without legally admissible evidence.
- It was explained that his financial transactions with co-accused individuals were related to his legitimate spice trade business, and the original 2021 complaint did not implicate him.
- Arguments of the Respondent (NCB):
- The NCB contended that the applicant was an absconder against whom an LoC had to be executed.
- They argued that apart from disclosure statements, there was evidence of telephonic connectivity and money transactions between the applicant and co-accused parties.
- High Court’s Analysis and Findings:
- Weakness of Evidence: The court observed that no incriminating substances were recovered from the applicant. Furthermore, simple call detail records without intercepted conversations do not prove criminal complicity, and minor bank transfers do not inherently suggest contraband financing.
- Delayed Action by Authorities: The court noted that although the initial complaint was filed in 2021, little was done to formally summon or investigate the applicant until the LoC was issued in July 2025.
- Parity and Trial Status: Given that charges were still pending framing and co-accused persons (such as Paschal) had already been granted bail, the court found no justification to continue the applicant’s incarceration.
- Final Directions:
- The bail application was allowed.
- The applicant was ordered to be released on regular bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 1,00,000/- with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial court.
2026 DHC 6565
Nafi Nazar v. Narcotics Control Bureau (D.O.J. 12.08.2026)
2026 DHC 6565 click here to view full text of judgment