Benjy released over drug possession charge

Actor Khaeryll Benjamin Ibrahim or Benjy was today released by the Muar Magistrate's Court on a drug possession charge in March last year.

Magistrate Muhammad Hidayat Wahab made the decision after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove that the syabu weighing 28.99 grammes found under the driver's seat of a vehicle belonged to him.

Benjy, 38, who is the son of the late actress Azean Irdawaty, was arrested with his friend, Raja Shariff Hidayatullah Raja Shariffuddin, 29, during a road block at 1.40am near a petrol station along Jalan Muar-Pagoh on March 27, 2015.

Benjy, who donned a blue checkered shirt and black jeans, was seen raising his hands in a sign of gratitude upon hearing the decision.

He was also smiling as he exited the courtroom door, and was heared voicing his thankfulness for the court's decision.

However, as for first accused Raja Shariff Hidayatullah, he was told to enter his defence this May 3 and 5.

Both accused were charged under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39a(1) of the same Act together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum five years' jail and whipping not exceeding nine stripes.

Earlier, Benjy was represented by counsel Farhan Read while Raja Shariff Hidayatullah was represented by Mohd Faiz Iskandar Hamzah and Khalid Yusoff.

Acting for the prosecution was deputy public prosecutor Azfahanim Rajaluddin.