SARDAR MUHAMMAD ASLAM, J. - This appeal is directed against the judgment dated 17.09.2005 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Pattoki, District Kasur, whereby he convicted the appellant under section 9(c), CNSA, 1997 and sentenced him to four years and fine of Rs. 10,000/- in case of default in payment of fine he would have to further undergo S.I. For six months.
2. Precisely, the prosecution ease is that on spy information the police raided the shop of the accused applicant. He was apprehended and on query he disclosed his name Mumtaz son of Shafi and on search of his shop poppy straw bag blue in colour was recovered which was found 12 K.G. 10 grams was separated for chemical analysis. Both samples and bulk were made into sealed parcels and were taken into custody. Rs. 60/- was also recovered. The case was registered accordingly.
The case was sent up to the Court after due investigation. Copies under section 265-C, Cr.P.C, was delivered to the appellant' accused. Charge was framed. Prosecution evidence was recorded.
Statement of the accused appellant under section 342, Cr.P.C, was examined. The learned Trial Court passed the above-said conviction and sentence.
3. Heard. Record perused.
4. At the very outset, learned counsel for the appellant argued with reference to the statement of PW-4 that the recovery was allegedly effected of Poppy straw in grinded form whereas quantity produced before the Court was in solid state. We have consulted the statement of PW-4 who in his cross-examination stated "the Poppy straw in grinded form and not in solid state, It is correct that today I have examined it and it is solid state." This fact knocks down the prosecution case at its bottom. The very recovery is doubtful. The benefit of slightest doubt goes to the appellant- accused.
5. For what has been discussed above, we are of the view that the prosecution has failed to, prove its case. Resultantly, we allow this appeal, set aside the conviction and sentence recorded by the learned Trial Court and direct acquittal of the appellant:accused. He be released forthwith if not required in any other case.