Pot times July 18, 2005
Malaysians Among 38 Being Detained In Jails Across China
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1135/a04.htmlNewshawk: Herb
Pubdate: Mon, 18 Jul 2005 MALAYSIANS AMONG 38 BEING DETAINED IN JAILS ACROSS CHINA
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:
editor@thestar.com.my
Website: http://www.thestar.com.my
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922
Author: Lourdes Charles
KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty-eight Malaysians, including three who are on death row for
drug trafficking, are being held in several prisons and detention centres in
China.
Sources said two of the Malaysians sentenced to death were arrested in November
1999 while the other was arrested in December 2000.
They said all three were sentenced to death for attempting to smuggle 'ice' (
syabu ) into China, which has tough laws on drug trafficking.
The sources said the Chinese authorities have identified South-East Asians as
being actively involved in the trafficking of drugs into the mainland.
They said Chinese authorities were monitoring the situation closely and have
advised their officers to strictly enforce the law.
It is learnt that 13 of the Malaysians were serving sentences ranging from seven
years' jail to life imprisonment for drug trafficking, rape and also credit card
fraud.
Sources said that this year alone, 16 Malaysians, including a woman, were
arrested while six were detained last year.
The woman was arrested for alleged robbery while the others were caught for
alleged drug trafficking, robbery, credit card fraud, kidnapping and conspiracy.
They said all 22 detained were being held in Yangjiang, Guangzhou, Shenzhen,
Xiamen and Nanping.
It is learnt that the Malaysian Consulate in Guangzhou has been visiting the
detainees and checking on their well-being.
"The officials are also assisting them in obtaining legal assistance to
defend themselves against the charges against them," they added.
