Singaporean tried for smuggling

TANGERANG (JP): Singapore national Kow Muin Huat Al Gao Meifa, 34, went on trial at Tangerang District Court on Tuesday for allegedly trying to smuggle thousands of ecstasy pills to Australia last September.

State prosecutor Siti Sahara said during the hearing that Meifa was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sept. 26 last year with the pills packed in plastic bags attached to his back and thighs.

"Kow Muin Huat Al Gao Meifa was about to transport the drugs to Australia. Meifa admitted to receiving Singaporean $1,500 from a total of Singaporean $10,000 promised to him by a man named Mr. Ken," prosecutor Siti said.

Meifa denied having any knowledge of the drugs, saying: "I was told that the pills were painkillers for headaches, which were very expensive in Australia."

Judge Lucya Usmany responded bluntly to the defendant's denial, saying that it is impossible for Meifa to not know about the pills. "You're giving us a hard time and you're not giving us straight answers," Lucya said.

The case is being handled by Tangerang District Court, pending a hearing schedule. (41/edt)