NOWSHERA, Nov 11: A local court on Friday awarded 25 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs10,000 each to three members of an inter-provincial gang of narcotics smugglers.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Fazal Subhan Khan after examining facts and records of the case announced the verdict against the convicts — Pervez, resident of Wah Cantonment; Shahid Shabbir, resident of Taxila; and Malik Azmat, resident of Hassan Abdal.

In case of failure to pay fine, the convicts would further undergo two years rigorous imprisonment, the court ordered.

The gang was arrested by the Akora Khattak police on June 26, 2001, which recovered 145kg charas from secret cavities of their vehicle. —APP