Kuala lumpur: The Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing for June 15 to consider the prosecution's appeal against a High Court ruling that acquitted and discharged Muhammed Yusoff Rawther on charges related to drug trafficking and possession of imitation firearms.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this development was confirmed by lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali during case management before Court of Appeal Deputy Registrar Mahyudin Mohmad Som. The public prosecutor has been instructed to file their petition of appeal by February 9, with all parties required to submit their written statements by May 15 and replies by May 29.

Previously, on June 12 of the preceding year, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur acquitted Muhammed Yusoff, age 33, after determining that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him. This decision prompted the prosecution to file an appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Muhammed Yusoff faced initial charges on September 12, 2024, in the Magistrates' Court for trafficking 305 grams of cannabis. The cannabis was allegedly discovered in a vehicle near the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters on September 6, 2024. The charges fall under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, carrying a mandatory life sentence and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

Additionally, Yusoff was charged under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 for possessing two imitation firearms near a condominium on Jalan Bukit Kiara earlier that same day.