Kota Kinabalu: Two men were freed by the High Court here on a charge of trafficking 5,241.5gm of syabu, eight years ago.
Judge Datuk Ismail Brahim discharged and acquitted bartender Aminuddin Baharuddin, 35, and labourer Mohd Shaharan Guriman, 38, of the charge at the end of their defence.
Ismail held that the prosecution had failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt against the accused.
Aminuddin and Shaharan were accused of committing the offence on Aug 13, 2017, at 10.15am at the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Sabah Police Headquarters here.
The trial, which commenced on April 8, 2021 and the prosecution wrapped up its case on July 4, 2024 and having called four witnesses.
The defence called three witnesses, including Aminuddin and Shaharan, who chose to give their respective defences under oath.
Aminuddin, when met after the proceedings, expressed his profound sadness over not being able to see his parents in their final moments.
“This has been the most painful time of my life. I lost both my parents while being locked away for a crime I did not commit.
“My first wish now is to visit their graves, to pay my respects and seek solace after all these years of heartbreak,” he said.
Aminuddin’s counsel Mohd Azhier Farhan Arisin said: “This verdict brings some closure, but it cannot undo the years of suffering endured by Aminuddin and his family.”
Shaharan, represented by counsel Dominic Chew, shared his relief at the outcome, thanking his counsel.
Aminuddin and Shaharan were charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952, which carries the death sentence or imprisonment for life and whipping not less than 15 strokes if not sentenced to death, on conviction.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Rozanna Abd Hadi.
