Three mechanics were acquitted of drug trafficking after the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case in the High Court in Seremban
SEREMBAN: The High Court here discharged and acquitted three friends of a drug trafficking charge involving 227.6 grams of heroin and monoacetylmorphine.
Judge Datuk Rohani Ismail ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the three mechanics.
K. Kavirvarman, 29; N. Gobinath, 30; and S. Dinesh Kumar, 32, were jointly accused of trafficking the drugs in a back alley at Dataran Sentral on July 3, 2020.
The charge was framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Khairunnisa Hazwani Omar appeared for the prosecution.
Kavirvarman was represented by lawyers S. Kartikeyan and M. Gopinathan, while Gobinath and Dinesh Kumar were represented by Datuk K.L. Chee.
Speaking to reporters, Kartikeyan said his client received strong family support throughout the trial.
He noted that Kavirvarman’s father frequently travelled to attend court hearings before passing away two years ago.
“The accused was unable to pay his last respects and was deeply affected by the loss,” Kartikeyan added. – Bernama