Somali student faces death sentence for trafficking ‘khat’ leaves in Malaysia

A Somali college student was charged at the Magistrate’s Court in Malaysia today with trafficking 13.10kg of “khat” leaves, a drug popular among Middle Easterners.

Ahmed Sahal Qahia, 30, was calm when he indicated understanding to the charge read to him in English by an interpreter during open-court proceedings. No plea was recorded.

Ahmed, whose wife is currently in Australia, was accused of trafficking the drugs contained in a parcel, around 1.30pm on April 20. He was arrested on that day.

He was alleged to have trafficked the “khat” leaves at the parking lot of Platinum Lake Condominium, Jalan Usahawan 2, off Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak.

Ahmed may be sentenced to death if convicted under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Magistrate Sharifah Muhaymin Abd Khalib did not grant bail and set June 14 for mention for the prosecution to furnish the chemistry report.

Ahmed’s counsel Zaflee Pakwanteh said his client’s case would later be transferred to the High Court.

Ahmed is currently remanded at the Sungai Buloh Prison. Deputy public prosecutor Syamimi Farhana Aziz prosecuted.

ww.nst.com