In a recent High Court ruling, Seet Poh Jing, a former real estate agent, was sentenced to death for trafficking 4.5kg of cannabis mixture.
Seet, who self-identified as “Ganja man” in advertisements for the sale of “weed,” claimed that the drugs were intended for research and development of cannabidiol, but the court was unconvinced.
Judge refutes Seet’s claim that he brought in the cannabis for ‘R&D’
Justice See Kee Oon, in his written judgment, stated that Seet’s claim of conducting research and development was an afterthought and not a genuine intention.
The judge also dismissed Seet’s claim that he was suffering from a drug-induced hypomanic episode, which caused him to form the unrealistic intention of producing cannabidiol.
Arrested back in 2018, goods were found in the boot of his BMW
Seet was arrested in June 2018, along with his girlfriend, in Tampines. Officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) discovered five blocks of vegetable matter in the boot of his rented BMW hatchback, which were later found to contain 4.5kg of cannabis mixture.
Investigations revealed that Seet had used his mobile phone to send out mass text messages advertising the sale of “weed.” He had also introduced himself as “Ganja man” to a contact before sending out the advertisement.
Seet’s trial began in September 2022, and he admitted to possessing the drugs, knowing their nature. However, he claimed that he did not intend to traffic them.
Photos of the drugs he trafficked & the car he was caught in
Gave rubbish excuse, claimed he brought the cannabis in for ‘research and development’
The court, however, found that Seet’s claim of conducting research and development was not credible, given that he did not possess the know-how to extract cannabidiol from the drugs.
Under the law, those convicted of trafficking more than 1kg of cannabis mixture can face the death penalty. Offenders who play limited roles as couriers can be jailed for life if specific conditions are met.
Seet did not qualify for the alternative sentence of life imprisonment as he did not claim to be a mere drug courier.
The case highlights the strict stance of Singapore’s judicial system against drug trafficking, particularly in cases involving large quantities of controlled substances.
The court’s decision to impose the death penalty underscores the gravity of Seet’s actions and serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar activities.
Image sources: CNB