Archive · 17 Aug 2025
Mumbai Court Allows NCB To Use Copies in Decades-Old Drug Case
A court in Mumbai is allowing the NCB, which fights against drugs, to use copies of old records in a case.
These original records from a 2004 drug seizure were damaged in a fire and due to rain back in 2013.
The case involves a drug called Buprenorphine.
Because the original documents were ruined, the court decided the copies can be used.
This means the trial can go ahead, even though the original papers are missing.
NDPS court allowed NCB to use true copies of 2004 case records.
Original records were lost in a fire and heavy rain in 2013.
The case involves the seizure of 20,000 ampules of Buprenorphine.
The NCB booked 14 people in connection with the case.
The trial is set to commence after more than 20 years.
- Who
- The NCB, the accused in a 2004 case, and the NDPS court.
- What
- The court allowed NCB to use true copies of the original records after they were lost in a fire and rain.
- When
- The records were damaged in 2013 and the case started in 2004.
- Where
- Mumbai, at the NCB's office.
- Why
- The court allowed it because the originals were lost due to circumstances beyond NCB's control.
Defense
NCB/Court
Evidence Admissibility
Defense
The defense argued the NCB did not demonstrate diligent efforts to preserve original documents and that the agency should not rely on secondary evidence.
NCB/Court
The court supported the NCB's use of secondary evidence, since the originals were lost.
- Agency
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Case Date
- 2004
- Substance Involved
- Buprenorphine
- Records Lost Due To
- Fire and Rain (2013)
- Court Decision
- Allowed use of true copies
- Accused
- 14 people
