Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - The District Court of Denpasar, Bali, sentenced Malasyian citizen Sargunan M Suppiah (37) to 12 years in jail here on Monday for smuggling 372 grams of heroin to Bali.

Unlike others he did not swallow the illegal stuff or put it in his luggage to hide it from inspection but he hid it in his underwear.

He was caught by customs officers upon arrival at Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar early this year aboard Air Asia AK1364.

The sentence was lower than the prosecutor`s demand which was 17 years in jail and a fine of Rp1 billion.

"Based on facts unveiled during court sessions the defendant was proven illegally importing narcotic stuff as referred to by Article Paragraph 2 of Law Number 35 of 2009 on narcotics," chief judge Anak Agung Ketut Anom Wirakanta.

Against his favor the chief judge said that with the act the defendant had tarnished the country`s reputation.

The defendant had expressed regret over his act and had never been jailed before which was on his favor.

"Both the defendant and the prosecutor have a right to appeal the verdict and if the right is not exercised it means they accept it" he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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