Bail in narcotics prosecution granted despite commercial quantity allegations due to prolonged custody and likely trial delay

Bail was granted in a narcotics prosecution despite allegations involving commercial quantity and serious offences because the petitioner had spent about two years in custody and the trial was likely to take time. The Court weighed the prolonged pre-trial detention against the seriousness of the allegations and found that the balance favoured release on bail.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to bail in a prosecution under the narcotics law despite the allegation of commercial quantity and the seriousness of the ations, having regard to the period already spent in custody and the likely delay in conclusion of trial.

Analysis: The petition sought release on bail in a case under the narcotics statute involving serious allegations and commercial quantity. The Court took note of the petitioner's custody for about two years and the fact that the trial was likely to take time. On that assessment, the balance tilted in favour of granting bail notwithstanding the nature of the ations.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the petitioner.

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