By Dorcas Ting
KUHCING, Sept 3: Nearly three years after their arrest, five people accused of trafficking a massive haul of methamphetamine walked out of the High Court as free individuals after the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.
Judge Datuk Leonard David Shim acquitted and discharged all five at the close of the prosecution’s case, ruling that the evidence presented was insufficient to require them to enter their defence.
The five had been jointly charged with trafficking 42.2kg of methamphetamine, allegedly discovered at a hotel along Jalan Nanas at about 12.30pm on October 12, 2023.
The charge was framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code. Conviction under the provision carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, with at least 12 strokes of the cane for those not sentenced to death.
At the time of their arrest, the group was reported to be aged between 17 and 22 and was named in media reports in connection with the drug-related investigation.
The seized methamphetamine was estimated to be worth RM1.4 million.
The prosecution called 15 witnesses during the trial, which was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Fillany Siji.
The five were represented by several defence lawyers. Alex Kong, Tiong Ing Neng and Patrick Voon, assisted by trainee lawyer Amarprit Singh, acted for three of the accused, while Steven Beti and Gerald Empaling Donald represented another. Lim Lian Kee appeared for the fifth accused.
With the court finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case, the five were acquitted without being called to enter their defence. — DayakDaily
