TAWAU: A mechanic was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to get 12 strokes of the cane by the High Court on Wednesday for trafficking 359.1gm of syabu, two years ago.
Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos handed down the sentence on Rolan, 28, after ruling that the prosecution had proven it’s case beyond reasonable doubt against Rolan.
Rolan was found guilty of trafficking the drug by the roadside at Sungai Balung Estate at about 7.30pm on Feb 25, 2024.
He was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment and whipping at least 12 strokes, upon conviction.
In delivering his judgment, Steve said the sentence was imposed after considering the submissions and mitigation by both parties, as well as the public interest.
The court ordered Rolan’s life sentence to be served from the date of his arrest on Feb 25, 2024.
Earlier, defence counsel Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin requested for a lighter sentence, saying his client supported his family through his work as a mechanic who is single.
In reply, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Nisla Abd Latif, urged the court to impose a heavy sentence, stressing that the quantity of drugs involved was a key aggravating factor. She also submitted that Rolan’s criminal conduct was evident as he was arrested by the roadside while allegedly waiting for a buyer, indicating his active involvement in drug trafficking.
