Pubdate: Mon, 18 Jul 2005
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com.my
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922
Author: Lourdes Charles

MALAYSIANS AMONG 38 BEING DETAINED IN JAILS ACROSS CHINA

KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty-eight Malaysians, including three who are on 
death row for drug trafficking, are being held in several prisons and 
detention centres in China.

Sources said two of the Malaysians sentenced to death were arrested 
in November 1999 while the other was arrested in December 2000.

They said all three were sentenced to death for attempting to smuggle 
'ice' (syabu) into China, which has tough laws on drug trafficking.

The sources said the Chinese authorities have identified South-East 
Asians as being actively involved in the trafficking of drugs into 
the mainland.

They said Chinese authorities were monitoring the situation closely 
and have advised their officers to strictly enforce the law.

It is learnt that 13 of the Malaysians were serving sentences ranging 
from seven years' jail to life imprisonment for drug trafficking, 
rape and also credit card fraud.

Sources said that this year alone, 16 Malaysians, including a woman, 
were arrested while six were detained last year.

The woman was arrested for alleged robbery while the others were 
caught for alleged drug trafficking, robbery, credit card fraud, 
kidnapping and conspiracy.

They said all 22 detained were being held in Yangjiang, Guangzhou, 
Shenzhen, Xiamen and Nanping.

It is learnt that the Malaysian Consulate in Guangzhou has been 
visiting the detainees and checking on their well-being.

"The officials are also assisting them in obtaining legal assistance 
to defend themselves against the charges against them," they added.
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MAP posted-by: Beth