YUSOFF RAWTHER TRIAL: CHEMIST CONFIRMS BLOCK OF CANNABIS WEIGHED 300.1 GRAMMES

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- A chemist testified in the High Court today that an analysis of a block of cannabis revealed a net weight of 300.1 grammes.

Harlisa Haidhir Harminder, 43, from the Narcotics Division of the Forensic Science Analysis Centre at the Malaysian Department of Chemistry, said on Sept 10, 2024, she received an envelope marked 'MZ' with a police seal from Insp Muhammad Zuhairi Md Zuhir.

Inside the envelope was a security bag marked 'MZ1', containing a compressed block of plant material partially wrapped in golden-yellow paper.

"Upon analysis, I determined that the net weight of the plant material was 300.1 grams. I am satisfied with the tests I conducted, which led to a conclusive result that the substance is cannabis. The compressed block of plant material was taken apart during the analysis process.

"After the analysis, I placed the plant material in a separate plastic package labeled 'MZ' and the laboratory number. The plastic package containing the evidence was then returned to the original envelope marked 'MZ’, which was sealed with the Chemistry Department’s security label," she added.

The third prosecution witness was reading her witness statement during the trial of former political research assistant Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, who is facing charges of drug distribution and possession of a fake weapon.

Harlisa testified that while the exhibit (evidence) was in her possession, it was securely stored in a locked metal cabinet belonging to her within a safe room. Throughout the analysis, the exhibit remained under her control and observation.

"There was no possibility of the exhibit being mixed with other evidence, as it was clearly labeled with the laboratory number. On Oct 29, 2024, at 2.00 pm, I returned the exhibit, along with the report, to Insp Muhammad Zuhairi at the Malaysian Department of Chemistry Headquarters, Petaling Jaya," she said during direct examination by deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Sabri Othman.

Earlier, Sgt Mohd Hafieh Md Sharif, from the Weapons Division at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, informed the court that both the pistols he had examined were not actual firearms, though they were heavier than toy pistols.

"At first glance, the pistols appeared to be real, but they differ from toy pistols, which are typically made of plastic and are lighter," he explained, adding that replica firearms are now commonly sold online.

Meanwhile, a blue Nissan Teana, which was seized by the police when the accused (Muhammed Yusoff) was apprehended, will be brought to the courthouse tomorrow for inspection in the presence of Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin, the defence counsel and DPPs.

During yesterday's proceedings, Insp Wan Muhammad Wan Ali, 37, from the Intelligence Division of the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, testified that the police apprehended a suspicious individual near a condominium and subsequently discovered a black bag containing two fake firearms and drugs wrapped in black plastic inside a Nissan Teana vehicle.

Muhammed Yusoff is accused of trafficking 305 grammes of cannabis found in the vehicle he was in near the mosque at the police contingent headquarters at 10.15 am on Sept 6, 2024.

He was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction. 

He was also charged with possession of two fake firearms near a condominium on Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25 am on Sept 6, 2024, under Section 36(1) of the Firearms Act 1960, which provides for a maximum penalty of one year in prison or a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.

-- BERNAMA