Ex-lorry attendant to continue serving jail sentence after appeal dismissed

 Court of Appeal Justice Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz says the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The High Court had convicted Danish Abdullah two years ago after finding him guilty of trafficking in 22.4kg of methamphetamine in 2021. (Pexels pic)

PUTRAJAYA:

A former lorry attendant will continue serving his 30-year jail sentence and receive 12 strokes of the cane after his appeal against his drug trafficking conviction was dismissed.

Court of Appeal Justice Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz, delivering the unanimous decision of a three-member bench, said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

She said Danish Abdullah, 29, had exclusive possession, custody and control of the two boxes containing methamphetamine while unloading them at a logistics company’s premises.

Hayatul said Danish’s defence that he was merely an innocent carrier acting on the instructions of a man known only as “Darren” amounted to a bare denial unsupported by any independent evidence.

“There is no necessity for appellate interference as the trial judge did not err in law or fact. The conviction is safe,” she said.

Justice Azmi Ariffin chaired the bench, which also comprised Justice Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid.

The High Court convicted Danish two years ago after finding him guilty of trafficking in 22.4kg of methamphetamine in 2021.

The statutory presumption of trafficking under Section 37(da) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 is triggered where a person is found in possession of 50g or more of methamphetamine, commonly known as syabu.

Deputy public prosecutor Atiqah Abdul Karim appeared for the prosecution, while Hafizuddin Sallehuddin represented Danish. - FMT