Some drug traffickers can be detained without trial: Deputy Prime Minister Wong
05:55 AM Sep 16, 2010
The Government said it will detain some drug traffickers without trial by using the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTPA) against them.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kang Seng said that although the preferred approach is prosecute them, the CLTPA, which allows for detention without trial, could be used under certain circumstances.
Replying to Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Sylvia Lim, Mr Wong said that it could be used in cases where there is a lack of evidence that can be adduced in court, typically because witnesses are unwilling to testify for fear of reprisal - but there is strong and reliable intelligence information implicating an individual as a member of such a drug syndicate.
Mr Wong added that Malaysian death row inmate Yong Vui Kong was a member of such a trafficking syndicate.
Several members in Yong's ring have been prosecuted for trafficking, including one who is now detained under the CLTPA.
