MALAYSIA: TWO PRAWN SELLERS TO HANG FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

November 13, 2009: Two prawn sellers were sentenced to death by the High Court in Malaysia for trafficking in 36,220 grams of cannabis at a motor workshop in Pandan Indah, Ampang, eight years ago. Justice Datuk Mohd Zaki Md.Yasin passed the sentence after finding both accused, Halim Nor, 45, a Malaysian national, and Sabri Alias, 38, from Aceh, Indonesia, had failed to raise any reasonable doubt on the prosecution's case.
"It's difficult for the court to believe the defence testimony of both accused that they were not aware of the existence of the drugs. Thus, both accused are found guilty and the court imposes the mandatory sentence of death by hanging," he said.
Halim and Sabri were charged with committing the offence at DOHC Power Auto Services, No: 14, Jalan Pandan Indah 4/38, Pandan Indah, at about 4.15pm on Oct 20, 2001.
They were charged under Section 39B(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and sentenced under Section 39B (2) of the same Act, which provides for the mandatory death sentence upon conviction. Deputy Public Prosecutor Alfred Egin appeared for the prosecution while Halim was represented by Ghazali Taib and Sabri was represented by Rusli Zain. (Sources: New Straits Times, 14/11/2009)