Yusoff Rawther freed of drug trafficking, fake pistols possession charges
KUALA LUMPUR : Former research assistant Yusoff Rawther, who has been held in remand for nine months, walked out of court a free man today after the High Court acquitted him of drug trafficking and the possession of two imitation pistols.
Justice Jamil Hussin said the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case on both charges as it was unable to prove all elements of the offences with credible evidence.
'The prosecution failed to prove that Yusoff had knowledge, custody and control of the drugs and fake pistols.
'The accused is acquitted and discharged without being called to enter his defence,' Jamil said after hearing oral submissions.
Yusoff was accused of trafficking in 305g of cannabis found in his vehicle when it was parked in front of the Kuala Lumpur police surau at 10.15am on Sept 6, 2024.
The drugs were allegedly wrapped in a black plastic bag.
He was also charged with possessing fake pistols outside the Senada Condominium on Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25am the same day.
The fake firearms possession charge, under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960, carried a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of up to RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.
The drug trafficking charge, framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, provided for the death penalty or 30 years' imprisonment as well as a whipping of not less than 12 lashes.
Yusoff's defence was that the drugs and pistols were planted to frame him.
He was held at the Sungai Buloh prison as bail is not allowed for those charged with drug trafficking.
Jamil, who is scheduled to retire in November, also said the two investigating officers failed to investigate Yusoff's claim, made to the recording officer during detention, that he was a victim of entrapment by a certain individual.
'The police officers had ample time to verify his statement but did not do so,' he said, adding that this had prejudiced the accused.
Deputy public prosecutors Sabri Othman, Shahrizzat Amadan, and R Haravind appeared for the prosecution.
Lawyers Rafique Rashid Ali, Gurdial Singh Nijar, Nurmustanir Nor, and Amirul Ar-Rashid Azman acted for Yusoff.
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