Phub Gaylmo, a shop owner at Dachoethang below the Bae-Langdra Nye, was sent to nine year prison term for illegal possession of 95 grams of hashish, (black tar-like residue left on the palms from rubbing marijuana resin). The court established that 95 grams of hash was in her possession for illegal transaction.

Five men including a 15-year-old boy were sentenced to nine years and three months for selling and consuming hashish. Singye Phub was found guilty of illegally exchanging two film-roll-sized hashish with a mobile phone. Namgay Wangchuk had sold similar sized hashish for Nu 1500 and a mobile phone, while Nim Penjore had exchanged his with a mobile phone. Wangdi had sold two rolls of hashish for Nu 1000 while Kinga Tshering, 15, sold three rolls for Nu 3000.

All five were tested positive for marijuana abuse after urine test and were given an additional three- month prison term.

However, Kinga Tshering will serve only half the term for being a minor, court officials said.

Ratu, Tadin Wangchuk, Tshering Wangchuk and Pema Dorji were sentenced to three months each for Following a tip-off about Bae-Langdra farmers cultivating marijuana plants, a team of police dressed as civilians went to the village on September 25 and raided Phub Gaylmo’s shop to find 95 grams of hashish and other tobacco products.

Five men who were under the influence of alcohol and controlled substance were also arrested from her shop.

All convicts, who were arrested by the Wangduephodrang police last September, were from Sha Kazhi gewog.