KUCHING: A police corporal has been released and cleared of charges by the High Court here today for trafficking 2,296 kilograms of methamphetamine and possessing traces of ketamine two years ago.
In the ruling, Judge Dr. Alwi Abdul Wahab stated that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence against 42-year-old Bukhari.
The judge noted that important witnesses, such as the recipient of a courier package and two friends of the accused who were present during the incident, were not called upon to testify.
Furthermore, Dr. Alwi also opined that Bukhari was unaware of the drugs concealed in the courier’s package. Consequently, the court decided to release the accused without requiring him to present a defense.
The first charge against Bukhari falls under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a potential penalty of death by hanging or life imprisonment, along with a minimum of 15 lashes if not sentenced to death.
The second charge relates to traces of ketamine found, and Bukhari was charged under Subsection 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Subsection 12(3) of the same act.
The alleged offenses took place in front of a condominium reception desk on Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli at approximately 1 pm on January 19, 2021.
Throughout the trial, a total of eight witnesses were called to testify in the case.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronie Entili handled the prosecution, while lawyers Steven Beti and Gerald Empaling Donald represented the accused.
