A Malaysian Chinese man who had only recently been released from prison is now facing the death penalty after he was charged with drug trafficking involving a concoction of ecstasy powder mixed with fruit juice flavourings, dubbed “drug juice”. The 49-year-old, identified as Lim Ching Poh (transliterated name), appeared in the Muar Magistrate’s Court today, where he was formally charged with trafficking a substantial quantity of narcotics.
During the court session, Lim simply nodded to indicate he understood the charge read to him before Magistrate Suzana, who did not record a plea. The court denied him bail, given the severity of the offence, and scheduled the next mention of the case for 25 September to allow the prosecution to furnish investigation documents and chemical analysis reports.
The charge alleges that Lim trafficked 6.389 kilograms of powdered ecstasy at a residence in Sri Delima Garden, Muar, Johor, on 16 June around 4pm. The offence is framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which upon conviction carries the mandatory death penalty, or alternatively life imprisonment and at least 12 strokes of the cane if the death sentence is not imposed.
Police: Father-Son Duo Produced Flavoured Ecstasy Mixes
According to the police, Lim had collaborated with his 23-year-old son to produce and package the illicit substances in their home. The father-son team allegedly mixed powdered ecstasy—commonly referred to as “Ecstasy” or “methylenedioxymethamphetamine” (MDMA)—with flavoured drink powders to create lemon, grape, and strawberry-flavoured “drug juice” sachets. This synthetic concoction was designed to mask the taste and appearance of the drugs, making it easier for users to consume without immediate suspicion.
A police raid at the residence led to the arrest of Lim and his son, along with the seizure of 6.389 kilograms of ecstasy powder worth an estimated RM1,066,963 (about S$305,000), enough to supply more than 2,000 potential users. The authorities believe the flavoured drug mixture was intended for distribution in local party scenes and clubs, where flavoured ecstasy is increasingly popular among younger users.
Offenders Face Severe Punishments Under Malaysian Law
Under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, those convicted of trafficking over 50 grams of methamphetamine or MDMA face the death penalty by hanging. If the court decides not to impose capital punishment, the minimum sentence is life imprisonment along with at least 12 strokes of the rotan (cane). These harsh penalties are part of Malaysia’s zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking, which aims to deter both local and international syndicates from exploiting the country as a hub for drug distribution.
This latest case has sparked renewed discussions about synthetic drug abuse in Malaysia and the tactics traffickers use to market dangerous substances to unsuspecting young people. Police are reminding the public of the life-threatening risks of designer drugs, which can lead not only to severe health consequences but also to lengthy imprisonment or execution for those caught producing or selling them.