Yusoff Rawther Trial Chemist Confirms 300g Cannabis Block

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A chemist testified in the High Court today that her analysis confirmed a block of cannabis weighing 300.1g was found in the vehicle of Yusoff Rawther, former research assistant to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
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 Zuhairi 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 300.1g. 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 Yusoff, who is facing charges of drug distribution and possession of a fake weapon.
Yusoff is accused of trafficking cannabis found in the vehicle he was in near the mosque at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters at 10.15am 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.
He was also charged with possession of two fake firearms near a condominium on Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25am 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.
Evidence securely stored
Meanwhile, 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 2pm, I returned the exhibit, along with the report, to Zuhairi at the Malaysian Department of Chemistry Headquarters, Petaling Jaya,” she said during direct examination by deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Sabri Othman.
Earlier, Hafieh Sharif, from the Weapons Division at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, informed the court that both the pistols he 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 (Yusoff) was apprehended, will be brought to the courthouse tomorrow for inspection in the presence of Judge Jamil Hussin, the defence counsel, and DPPs.
During yesterday’s proceedings, 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.
- Bernama

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