Yusoff Rawther persistently denied he was a drug trafficker, court hears

 

The court was told that Yusoff Rawther had refused to sign the search list handed to him at the Brickfields police station. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Former research assistant Yusoff Rawther was adamant in his denial over claims he was a drug trafficker and had fake pistols in his possession, the High Court heard today.

Investigating officer Aiman Suhaimi concurred with Yusoff’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, who had during cross-examination suggested that his client was persistent in his denial on four occasions after his arrest and before he was charged in court.

Rafique said Yusoff openly denied that he had custody and control of a car, a dark blue Japanese-made vehicle bearing registration number PMH 6391, where police discovered the pistols.

Rafique also said Yusoff had also refused to sign the search list handed to him at the Brickfields police station.

He added that his client had dismissed any suggestions by Aiman on three different occasions – during questioning – that the imitation pistols and drugs belonged to him.

The lawyer said Yusoff finally lodged a police report on Sept 12 last year, an hour before he was charged in court for possession of the imitation guns and involvement in trafficking cannabis.

Rafique: Would you agree that my client was consistent, persistent and adamant that he was not involved in both cases?

Aiman: Agree.

The 32-year-old investigating officer, who is taking the stand for the first time, said the car was parked along a road at about 10.30pm on Sept 6 last year and Yusoff approached the vehicle at about 9.30am the following day.

“I agree that the accused did not have access to the car for about 10 hours when the vehicle was parked outside his condominium,” he said.

Earlier this week, another witness told the court that police received an anonymous tip-off at about 5am on Sept 6 over a purported firearm hidden in the car owned by Yusoff.

Aiman also agreed with Rafique’s suggestion that anyone could then “plant the pistols” and later alert the police.

Aiman, who was only entrusted to investigate the accused for possession of the imitation pistols, said Yusoff had no record for any criminal offences and had also tested negative for drugs.

He agreed with Rafique that Yusoff was an educated person, knowledgeable and had a strong fighting spirit.

On April 9, a police inspector, Wan Muhammad Wan Ali, had agreed to the suggestion that the items could have been planted.

Yusoff is charged with possessing the two fake pistols outside the Senada Condominium on Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25am on Sept 6 last year.

The fake pistols were alleged to have been wrapped in a black plastic bag.

The charge, under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960, carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of up to RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.

Yusoff is also accused of trafficking in 305gm of cannabis found in the vehicle when it was parked in front of the surau at 10.15am on Sept 6, 2024.

The drugs were also allegedly wrapped in a black plastic bag.

The charge, framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, provides for life imprisonment and 12 strokes of the rotan upon conviction.

Yusoff claims the imitation pistols and drugs were planted by the police to build a case against him.

The trial before Justice Jamil Hussin was adjourned to April 28. - FMT