BANTING (Malaysia) - A JAPANESE woman was charged in a Malaysian court on Wednesday with trafficking 4.7 kilograms (10 pounds) of methamphetamines, and faces the death penalty if convicted.
Mariko Takeuchi nodded her head as the charge, translated by an interpreter, was read out at a magistrates court south of the Malaysian capital.
The 35-year-old, who was detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Oct 30, was dressed in a blue T-shirt and jeans and appeared subdued and nervous in the courtroom.
She did not enter a plea as magistrate Hurman Hussein ordered the prosecution to verify the content and weight of the drugs allegedly found in Takeuchi's luggage. However, her lawyer Gobind Singh said she had denied the allegations and would fight the charge.
After the hearing Takeuchi was taken away by police in handcuffs to a nearby women's prison. Judge Hurman ordered a chemist's report on the alleged drugs haul to be brought before the court on Jan 26. Mr Gobind said his client would enter a formal plea that day.
The drugs, with a street value of RM1.2 million (S$484,000), were allegedly found in a special compartment in Takeuchi's luggage after she arrived from Dubai. The death penalty is carried out by hanging in Malaysia. -- AFP
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