In a striking demonstration of Singapore's stringent drug trafficking laws, a former real estate agent, who had infamously branded himself as 'Ganja Man', has been sentenced to the ultimate penalty - death. This case has reignited discussions around the legal consequences of drug trafficking within the city-state, especially concerning cannabis-related offenses.
Seet Poh Jing, the individual at the heart of this case, was found guilty of trafficking an astonishing 4.5kg of a cannabis mixture. His defense, claiming the drugs were for the research and development of cannabidiol (CBD) - a non-psychoactive component found in cannabis - was firmly rejected by the High Court on April 2, 2024. Justice See Kee Oon, in his written judgment, emphasized that Seet's narrative was an afterthought, concocted for the trial, and lacked credibility.
The forensic examination of Seet's mobile phones revealed his active role in advertising the sale of 'weed' through mass text messages, further undermining his claim of being a mere drug courier - a role that could have potentially qualified him for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. This aspect of the case underscores the importance of digital evidence in modern legal proceedings, particularly in drug trafficking cases.
Seet's mental health was also a point of contention during the trial. A psychiatric assessment conducted by Dr. Kenneth Koh from the Institute of Mental Health concluded that Seet suffered from a substance use disorder, exacerbated by his consumption of methamphetamine and cannabis. However, this did not sway the court's decision, as it did not absolve him of his intent to traffic drugs.
Interestingly, Seet had made attempts to establish a legal cannabis-related business, contacting a friend in Canada about setting up a company to sell cannabidiol oil and consulting a lawyer about starting a similar venture in Singapore. These actions, however, were deemed insufficient to substantiate his claims of pursuing legitimate research and development in the cannabis sector.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal repercussions of drug trafficking in Singapore. The country's laws are unequivocal, with trafficking more than 1kg of cannabis mixture warranting the death penalty. It also highlights the complexities surrounding the legalization and research of cannabis and its derivatives, such as cannabidiol, in jurisdictions with strict drug policies.
