The 21 Malaysian suspected 'drug mules' detained here in March in connection with the seizure of a large haul of drugs may face the harsh reality of spending life in prison upon conviction.
According to information obtained by Bernama from the Ratchada Criminal Court here recently, the Malaysians have been charged under Thailand's Narcotics Act for possession and sale of Category 1 Substances.
Category 1 substances include heroin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy) and LSD.
The charge against the Malaysians involves possession of 14 heroin bars weighing 6.958kg and 226 packages of methamphetamine weighing 224.592kg.
According to information from the court, the prosecutor submitted the case against the men on June 17 after investigation, before all of them made their first court appearance on Aug 29 for evidence examination.
Their next appearance at the Ratchada Criminal Court has been slated on Dec 19 for evidence inspection and examination.
According to the court's information, the 21 Malaysians are Muhammad Aisamuddin Abd Razak, Maznezam A Manap, Nabil Syafiq Kamal, Idris Syarif Syaifuddin, Kamaludin Sarju, Ngor Kien Yew, Kenny Lim Wei Liang, Seah Chin Wee, Liew Pow Swee and Yap Chun Man.
The other Malaysians are Tan Chat Phem, Woon Ming Sheng, Wong Kah Seng, Loo Chee Aik, Lim Chee Wei, Choong Weng Wah, Teo Wei Lun, Leong Wai Hong, Ho Wai Hai, Heiw Chen Khuin and Chan Mun Kin.
The Malaysians were arrested on March 23 and 24, in two groups of 15 and six men by Thai Railway police at four different train stations and in a passenger van.
The train they were travelling in was enroute to Butterworth from Hualamphong, Bangkok.
Thai police described the drug haul as one of the largest confiscated in recent times, with investigators claiming the drugs were destined for the European market.
According to a Thai police investigator involved in the case, the Malaysian suspects could face life imprisonment if found guilty by the court.
This is despite the Act providing the death penalty to the guilty party. However, Thailand did not apply the death penalty, said the man who declined to be identified. -- Bernama
Bernama
Sun Nov 27 2016
Thai police described the drug haul as one of the largest confiscated in recent times, with investigators claiming the drugs were destined for the European market. - Photo for illustration purpose only.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.