DINESH REGMI
DOHA (QATAR), JUL 11
A Qatari court sentenced a Nepali migrant worker to three years in jail and imposed a fine of 205,000 riyal (around Rs 4.9 million) for carrying bhang (a preparation from the leaves and seeds of cannabis plants).
DOHA (QATAR), JUL 11
A Qatari court sentenced a Nepali migrant worker to three years in jail and imposed a fine of 205,000 riyal (around Rs 4.9 million) for carrying bhang (a preparation from the leaves and seeds of cannabis plants).
Lok Bahadur GC from Baglung district was arrested with the drug and
snack foods at the Doha international airport during a checkup on
December 26 while returning to Nepal.
GC, a driver in Doha, said two handfuls of bhang along with some snack
items such as soyabean, rice and honey were sent to him by his
sister-in-law for her son working in the Gulf country.
He was kept in an anti-drug cell at the airport for two days and was
freed on 1000 riyal (Rs 24,000) bail. The Doha-based court issued
verdict against GC on May 31. However, GC appealed later, defending
himself on June 14 through a Qatari advocate. He paid the lawyer 12,000
riyal (around Rs 288,000) to fight his case. The appellate court
summoned GC before it on September 3.
He also appealed to the Nepali Embassy in Qatar to initiate a process
to grant him general amnesty as bhang is not an illegal and used to
prepare home-made pickle in Nepal.
He also sent a letter to the Baglung District Administration Office
seeking a proof that bhang is not an illegal drug. The embassy said that
it has received a letter from the DAO, saying that bhang is used to
prepare home-made pickle and also used in religious functions and it
will take necessary steps in this case.
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