18. Punishment for contravention in relation to opium poppy and opium.—
Whoever, in
contravention of any provision of this Act or any rule or order made or condition of licence granted
thereunder, cultivates the opium poppy or produces, manufactures, possesses, sells, purchases, transports,
imports inter-State, exports inter-State or uses opium shall be punishable,—
(a) where the contravention involves small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which
may extend to 2[one year], or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both;
(b) where the contravention involves commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years, and shall also be liable
to fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees which may extend to two lakh rupees:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine exceeding
two lakh rupees;
(c) in any other case, with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to ten years and with fine
which may extend to one lakh rupees.]
