Kuala lumpur: An e-hailing driver has been sentenced to 30 years in prison and 25 strokes of the cane by the High Court after being found guilty of trafficking 24.59 kilogrammes of cannabis and possessing two other types of drugs weighing 10.4 grammes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Judge Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar ordered K. Prakash, 43, who also sells fireworks, to commence his sentence from the date of his arrest on April 22, 2021. In her judgment, the judge stated that the accused's defence was merely a denial without any supporting evidence to dispute the possession, custody, or control of the drugs found.

The judge noted that the accused failed to call several friends, who were jointly charged, to testify and confirm his lack of involvement with the drugs. Prakash's ex-wife served as a prosecution witness, and her testimony was deemed credible by the court.

The judge emphasized that the large quantity of drugs indicated distribution intent rather than personal use, and concluded that the defence did not successfully cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution's case. Prakash faced charges under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952 for trafficking cannabis in Bandar Sri Damansara, Petaling, on April 22, 2021.

Additionally, he was charged under Section 12(2) of the same Act for possessing monoacetylmorphines and heroin, weighing 6.4 g and four g respectively, at the same location and date. Deputy public prosecutor Mohammed Heikal Ismail had initially sought the death penalty, highlighting the gravity of the drug-related crimes.

During his appeal, Prakash, represented by a lawyer, was observed in tears as he requested a lighter sentence, citing prolonged separation from his family, particularly his child.