KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today acquitted a lorry driver of trafficking 245.2 grammes of methamphetamine and possessing ketamine.
Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid acquitted Muhammad Shameer Mohamed Salim after finding that the prosecution had failed to prove he had exclusive custody and control over the drugs.
Shameer, 27, was charged with trafficking 245.2 grammes of methamphetamine at 9.45pm at an apartment unit in Sentul on May 31, 2024.
He also faced a separate charge of possessing 20.13 grammes of ketamine at the roadside along Jalan Besar Kasipillay, Sentul, at 9.30pm on the same day.
The charges were framed under Sections 39B(1)(a) and 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
After the proceedings, Shameer’s lawyer Revin Kumar said the case centred on methamphetamine allegedly found in a room that was accessible to other people.
“In his decision, the judge found that the prosecution had failed to establish that the drugs were in Shameer’s exclusive custody and control.
“The court noted that the room was accessible to others and contained various personal belongings belonging to other individuals, including women’s clothing and passports.
“The prosecution had failed to satisfactorily explain the presence of those items or establish a sufficient link between the drugs and Shameer’s exclusive custody and control.
“As a result, the court held that the prosecution had failed to prove the essential element of possession and acquitted Shameer of the charges,” he said.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syajaratudur Abd Rahman prosecuted.
