By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, April 3: Two men from Sabah, Muhammad Aidil Aiman Anwar, 26, and Aaron Liew Jia Cherng, 29, pleaded not guilty today in the Magistrate’s Court here to charges of drug trafficking and possession.
Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi scheduled the next mention of the case for May 7, 2024, pending the submission of the chemist’s report.
The accused were charged with trafficking 11,900 grammes of methamphetamine, discovered at a residence along Jalan Batu Kawa around 4.30pm on March 22, 2024. This charge falls under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which, if convicted, could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a minimum of 15 strokes of whipping, as stipulated by Section 39B(2) of the same Act, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
The accused also face a second charge of being in possession of 66.0 grammes of Ketamine, at the same location and time. This charge is under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which upon conviction, carries a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both, according to Section 12(3) of the same Act, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, during a press conference held on March 25, revealed that the location of the arrests was believed to be part of a drug refining syndicate. The estimated value of the drugs confiscated was disclosed to be RM394,000, which authorities believe could cater to as many as 59,532 users.
Alongside the narcotics, law enforcement also seized a Perodua Bezza valued at RM40,000, a gold necklace worth RM10,345, and a branded sling bag valued at RM12,000, all belonging to the accused.
Furthermore, Mancha revealed that an initial urine test conducted on Liew returned positive for Amphetamine, methamphetamine, and ketamine. Additionally, Liew had two prior criminal records related to drug offenses.
Investigating officer Inspector Farreez Abd Alik represented the prosecution while Muhammad Aidil was represented by counsel Abdul Rahman and Liew represented by counsel Ralph Lee. — DayakDaily
