Arguments from duo facing drug-consumption charges rejected in high court

[Windsorlou]

Arguments from duo facing drug-consumption charges rejected in high court
Decision to dismiss challenge to Misuse of Drugs Act allows over 500 pending cases to continue

Published on May 9, 2012

CHIEF JUSTICE'S VERDICT. -- PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA

Two men facing separate and unrelated drug-consumption charges went to the High Court on Tuesday challenging the constitutionality of a provision in the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Both, represented by lawyer S.K. Kumar, had hoped to escape being punished under Section 33A of the Act.

The provision prescribes enhanced punishment for repeat consumption of specified drugs, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years' jail and three strokes of the cane.

BACKGROUND STORY

DRUG-RELATED CHARGES

THESE DO NOT COUNT?

Mohammad Faizal Sabtu, 28

Contended that his previous admissions to drug rehabilitation centres do not count as past convictions

THESE DO NOT COUNT?

Amazi Hawasi, 34

Said his two previous convictions for consuming morphine and cannabis derivatives should not be deemed as convictions for specified drugs
Mohammad Faizal Sabtu, 28, contended that his previous admissions to drug rehabilitation centres (DRC) do not count as past convictions while Amazi Hawasi, 34, argued that his two previous convictions for consuming morphine and cannabis derivatives should not be deemed as convictions for specified drugs.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.