A man from Sabah was sentenced to life in prison and six whipping by the Sessions Court, here, today, after he was found guilty of possessing and planting 12 cannabis trees, two years ago.

Judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud, passed the sentence on 45-year-old Azril Surash Masree Samy after he was found guilty under Section 6B (1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and sentenced under Section 6B (3) of the same Act. According to the judge,  the defense failed to raise reasonable doubts through the testimony of the accused and witnesses during the trial, the prosecution has managed to prove a prima facie case against the accused.

"Therefore, after taking into account and considering all the evidence, facts of the case, and factors of public interest, the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment and six whipping," he said. 

The accused was arrested by a team of officers and members of the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division from the Tawau District Police Headquarters (IPD) when they raided a two-story terrace house at Taman Mega Ria, Batu 3 Jalan Air Panas, at about 5.30 AM on August 3rd, 2020.

When questioned, Azril Surash admitted to being aware that the type of tree planted was indeed marijuana, besides informing that it was planted just for leisure.

Hm... that's quite a heavy sentence. Should weed be decriminalized in this country? Share with us your thoughts. 

Source: Berita Harian