Youth to stand trial for cannabis trafficking

KOTA KINABALU: The High Court here yesterday ordered a youth to enter his defence on a charge of trafficking in 6,626 grams of cannabis.

Justice Datuk Nurchaya Hj Arshad made the order in the case of Mohd Izzan Azhar Abdullah, 22, after ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused.

Mohd Izzan, represented by counsel Zahir Shah, was arrested at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sabah police headquarters here at 8pm on September 14, 2016 for alleged trafficking in cannabis.

The court fixed March 29 for the defence trial.

It was learnt that the accused will be the sole defence witness and he has opted to give written statement.

During prosecution stage, nine witnesses were called to testify against the accused.

Meanwhile, five men were jailed between four and five months by the Sessions Court here yesterday for entering the State illegally.

Judge Azreena Aziz imposed the sentence on Azman Bugel, Azlan Omar, Sajid Khan Sadaini, Madrapi Naklun and Arjimar Najar after they pleaded guilty to each of their charges under Section 6 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

The indictment carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 or a jail term of up to five years or to both and also liable to whipping of not more than six strokes, upon conviction.

They were separately caught by the police and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency during separate operations in Penampang and here, recently.

The court also ordered four of the men to be whipped once.