Fardeen to be tried for offence with lesser punishment: HC

While Fardeen claimed he had attempted to purchase only one gram of cocaine,NCB alleged nine grams of cocaine was recovered from Fardeen and alleged drug dealer Nasir Abdul Karim who is also facing trial.

The duo were arrested when Nasir was handing over the contraband to the actor.

Under NDPS Act,possession of less than two grams of contraband substance is considered small quantity and the accused faces only a six-month jail term or fine. If it is more than two grams,then the maximum punishment is ten years.

A special NDPS court had in January 2008 charged him only with attempting to purchase one gram of cocaine.

NCB had,however,approached the HC challenging the lower court’s order.