Jempol: The High Court today ordered a retired policeman, who held the rank of Sergeant Major, to enter his defence on a charge of trafficking 573.6 grams of cannabis three years ago. Judge Datuk Rohani Ismail delivered the ruling after the prosecution successfully established a prima facie case against 66-year-old Aminuddin Amir at the conclusion of the prosecution stage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the judge noted that the prosecution had proven the element of drug possession by the accused under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Furthermore, the element of trafficking was established based on the definition in Section 39B(2) of the same Act, which includes storing and possessing the drugs.

The accused was presented with three options: to testify under oath from the witness stand, to give a statement from the dock, or to remain silent. Aminuddin chose to testify under oath from the witness stand, and the court has scheduled the defence proceedings for October 2 and 3.

The charge alleges that Aminuddin trafficked 573.6 grams of cannabis at a hut behind a house in Batu Kikir, Jempol, on September 14, 2022. This charge, framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, and if not sentenced to death, whipping of at least 12 strokes upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Adzmi conducted the prosecution, while lawyer G. Subramaniam Nair represented the accused.