Nigerian student gets 12 years’ jail, 10 strokes for drug possession

A 24-year-old Nigerian student who pleaded guilty to drug possession has claimed his involvement with bad company in Malaysia caused him to commit the offence.

Anadozie Temple Williams was arrested for possessing 996g cannabis, when Ops Tapis was carried out at Block G, Mentari Court, Jalan PJS 8/9, Sungai Way in Petaling Jaya at 4.20am on Aug 23, 2011.

The drugs were found wrapped in newspapers on the floor after Williams dropped the packet from his right hand while trying to flee.

Justice Noor Azian Shaari said Williams was lucky that the prosecution offered him an alternative charge of drug possession.

Williams was initially charged with drug trafficking and face the death penalty upon conviction.

"Sitting here (on the judge's chair), we have a drug trial almost every week. That just shows how rampant is drug trafficking in this country (Malaysia). "I can safely say that most Nigerians who are caught here with drug offence claim they are students at colleges that are mostly unknown.

"In view of that, the court must be consistent with the punishment and take into consideration public interest," said Justice Noor Azian on Monday.

The court then handed down a 12-year jail sentence, to run from the date of arrest, and a mandatory 10 strokes of the rotan.

Source: Thestar