S'porean man, 47, facing death penalty in Johor, M'sia for trafficking 10kg of drugs

A Singaporean man has been charged in Johor, Malaysia for trafficking 10kg worth of drugs, and may face the death penalty for his crime.

Tan Ban Choon, 47, was charged with trafficking 10,024g of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) powder, according to court documents seen by Malaysia media.

He was also slapped with four other charges of possessing 9g of heroin, 44g of cannabis, 6g of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine powder, and 31.3g of ketamine.

Arrested during raid

Tan was arrested during a raid at the Danga Bay apartment in Johor Bahru on the evening of Apr. 23.

He was among five people arrested in raids carried out in Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Kota Tinggi and Kluang districts in Johor.

Investigations involving Singapore authorities revealed that he had a previous record.

He was also found with a fake identification document.

Penalties

For trafficking, Tan may face the death penalty or life imprisonment and a whipping of not less than 15 strokes, if convicted.

For the possession of drugs, he may be given a fine not exceeding RM100,000 (S$30,000), a maximum of five years in prison, or both, upon conviction.

If convicted of the possession of cannabis, Tan may also receive a jail term of two to five years, along with three to nine strokes of the cane.

Tan did not have a lawyer, and no bail was given.

The case was set for Jul. 7 pending a chemical report.

Top image via Canva