Drug trafficker, 58, avoids death penalty by 0.01g, sentenced to 31 years’ jail

A 58-year-old man has been sentenced to 31 years’ jail over drug trafficking offences that saw him avoid the death penalty by 0.01g.

Mesnawi Dahri was caught while in possession of not less than 14.99g of diamorphine, or “pure heroin”, for the purpose of trafficking.

He was originally charged with possessing at least 15g of diamorphine for the purpose of trafficking, according to court documents.

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) state on its website that 15g of pure heroin is equivalent to 1,250 straws, which is sufficient to feed the addiction of about 180 abusers for a week. 

The death penalty is mandatory for anyone found guilty of trafficking more than 15g of diamorphine or 250g of methamphetamine or more than 500g of cannabis.

The charge was later reclassified and changed to him possessing not less than 14.99g of diamorphine for the purpose of trafficking, with a maximum sentence of 30 years’ jail or life imprisonment, court documents showed.

Mesnawi pleaded guilty to a total of four charges on June 3. Three were for drug offences and the fourth was for money laundering.

Two other drug charges were taken into account for sentencing.

He was sentenced to 31 years’ jail, which includes 10 weeks for the money laundering charge under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.

CNB officers arrested Mesnawi in Ang Mo Kio on Jan 27, 2023. About 713g of heroin and four Ecstasy tablets were seized from him.

He also had $18,050 in cash, which were his benefits from his drug trafficking activities. The money has been forfeited to the state.

In a statement on June 11, CNB said the Government will continue to review and enhance laws to ensure they remain effective in addressing the evolving crime landscape, and are aligned with international standards.

Those who launder the benefits of drug dealing can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $500,000.

Mesnawi, who was unrepresented, has filed an appeal against his sentence.

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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