Delivery couriers need not fear drug packages, say lawyers
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysian law practitioners state that delivery couriers do not need to fear handling packages that may contain illegal substances.
- To convict someone for drug possession or distribution, the prosecution must prove three elements: physical custody, control, and knowledge.
- The element of 'knowledge' is crucial in drug-related cases for establishing guilt.
Malaysian legal experts are reassuring delivery couriers that they do not need to fear handling packages that might contain illegal drugs. According to lawyer Fahmi Abd. Moin, a courier can only be convicted of drug possession or distribution if the prosecution successfully proves three fundamental elements: physical custody, control, and knowledge of the contents.
Fahmi emphasized that the element of 'knowledge' is particularly critical in these cases. This means the prosecution must demonstrate that the courier was aware of the illegal nature of the substances they were transporting. Without this proof of knowledge, a courier cannot be found guilty, even if they were in physical possession of the drugs.
someone only can be convicted if the prosecution can prove three basic elements for drug possession or distribution cases, namely physical custody, control, and knowledge.
The legal perspective aims to alleviate the anxieties of individuals working in the delivery sector, who may be concerned about inadvertently becoming involved in illegal activities. The clarification of legal requirements provides a clearer understanding of the burden of proof placed on the prosecution in such scenarios.
The element of 'knowledge' is important in drug cases.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.