- Illustrative photo.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The suspected mastermind behind the notorious ‘Speedo’ drug distribution syndicate, Aedi Ariif Zullizam, was formally charged in court on Wednesday (Aug 28).
Aedi Ariif was previously produced in court to be detained under Section 22A of the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) for his alleged involvement, but yesterday’s proceedings saw formal charges laid against him.
Prosecutor Atiyyah Abas levelled two charges under the MDA Act against Aedi Ariif.
The first charge alleged that between November 13 and 15, 2023, Aedi Ariif, in Malaysia, conspired with two accomplices, Shane Langelian Enau and Nur Athirah Muhammad Azman, to import controlled drugs into Brunei.
The prosecution claimed that on November 15, 2023, between 2.36pm and 3pm, Shane Langelian imported 3,071.2 grammes of cannabis through the Sungai Tujoh Control Post from Miri, Sarawak, without authorisation.
The charge comes under Section 10, read with Section 5 of the MDA, and is punishable under Section 29, read with the Second Schedule of the Act.
The second charge mirrors the first, but involves a different controlled substance.
It alleges that on November 15, 2023, between 1pm and 2.35pm, Aedi Ariif again conspired with Shane Langelian and Nur Athirah to import 2,038.59 grammes of methylamphetamine (commonly known as meth) into Brunei.
The act also took place at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post and is also under Section 10, read with Section 5 of the MDA, and punishable under Section 29, read with the Second Schedule of the Act.
During the bail application, the prosecution strongly opposed the release of Aedi Ariif, citing several key reasons.
Prosecutor Atiyyah pointed out that the quantities of drugs involved far exceed the thresholds for the death penalty – six times over for cannabis and 40 times over for methylamphetamine.
The prosecution argued that even after analysis, the amount of drugs is unlikely to fall below these thresholds.
The prosecution also highlighted the serious nature of the charges and the significant risk of the defendant absconding.
Aedi Ariif has resided in Kuala Lumpur since 2022 and has a history of frequent international travel, including trips to Phuket, China, Sydney, Bali, Jakarta and Bangkok.
Furthermore, despite being on the alert list, Aedi Ariif managed to leave the country undetected and re-entered.
These movements and its circumstances are still under investigations, the prosecution added.
The prosecution further noted that Aedi Ariif had been on Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) bail for previous cases but failed to report as required.
His ability to sustain himself abroad, allegedly through a business he claims to run, also raised concerns about his flight risk and potential to tamper with witnesses.
Aedi Ariif even made a suggestion to impound his passport if he was to be released on bail.
Magistrate Sharifah Nur Baqiyah Malai Shahran refused bail, agreeing with the prosecution’s arguments.
The magistrate cited the significant risk posed by the defendant, including the likelihood of absconding and the serious nature of the charges.
The case is scheduled for further mention on September 11. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
