Police Retiree Ordered To Enter Defence On Drug Trafficking Charge

SEREMBAN, July 30 (Bernama) -- The High Court today ordered a retired policeman with the rank of Sergeant Major to enter his defence on a charge of trafficking in 573.6 grammes of cannabis three years ago.

Judge Datuk Rohani Ismail made the ruling after the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against Aminuddin Amir, 66, at the end of the prosecution stage.

“The prosecution has proven the element of drug possession by the accused under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, while the element of trafficking was established based on the definition in Section 39B(2) of the same Act, namely storing and possessing the drugs,” she said during proceedings here today.

The accused was then given three options: to testify under oath from the witness stand, to give a statement from the dock, or to remain silent.

He chose to testify under oath from the witness stand, and the court set Oct 2 and 3 for the defence proceedings.

According to the charge, Aminuddin was found to have trafficked in 573.6g of cannabis at a hut behind a house in Batu Kikir, Jempol, on Sept 14, 2022.

The charge was framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and is punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment, and if not sentenced to death, whipping of at least 12 strokes, upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Adzmi conducted the prosecution, while lawyer G. Subramaniam Nair represented the accused.

-- BERNAMA