Kuala lumpur: The High Court here today ordered a couple to enter their defence on a charge of trafficking 173 kilogrammes of methamphetamine four years ago. Judge Nurulhuda Nur'aini Mohamad Nor made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against Adam Tan Seng Tek, 34, and a Vietnamese woman, Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, 33, at the end of the prosecution's case.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the court determined there was evidence of possession, direct knowledge, and trafficking of the drugs by both accused. The judge set May 5 and 6 for the two accused to enter their defence by giving sworn testimony in court.

The charge against them involves the joint accusation of trafficking 172,741.10 grammes of methamphetamine at a condominium unit at Residensi Kiara Jalil 1 at 9.30 pm on February 24, 2022. The charge is framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. This provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment and, if not sentenced to death, whipping of not fewer than 15 strokes.

Today's proceedings saw the attendance of Deputy Public Prosecutor Anis Wahidah Mohamad, while the couple was represented by lawyers Kee Wei Lon, Ee Gen You, and Siti Summaiyah Ahmad Jaafar. A total of six prosecution witnesses were called to testify during the trial, which began on October 13 last year.