A former student in Singapore escapes a heavy sentence for drug trafficking after telling the court that he had bought the drug for his secondary school teacher.
Khairul Naim Mohamad Nasir was sentenced to probation of two years and three months after pleading guilty in January to one count of methamphetamine trafficking and cannabis consumption.
The lawyer said Khairul’s teacher, Celesta Ee Qiying, had confided in him about her drug use and told him that her supplier was charging too high a price. Khairul offered to help her find a cheaper supplier. She then gave him $200 to buy the drugs.
The teacher’s case was not mentioned in court documents, according to The Straits Times.
“Khairul never sold Celesta methamphetamine. He only purchased on behalf of Celesta with the money provided by [her],” the lawyer said.
Khairul was caught last year during a spot check by Central Narcotics Bureau officers. The drugs were found at his home.
Investigations showed that he had bought the drugs with $350 given to him by a customer. There was also traces of cannabis in his urine samples.
Khairul would have to stay in a hostel for nine months as part of his probation. He must also undergo drug intervention programs and perform 210 hours of community service.
In Singapore, drug trafficking can lead to between five and 20 years of jail time as well as five to 15 strokes of the cane.
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