Public Prosecutor v Lee Chin Seah: Trafficking of Diamorphine under the Misuse of Drugs Act

In Public Prosecutor v Lee Chin Seah, the High Court of Singapore found Lee Chin Seah guilty of trafficking diamorphine on February 8, 2000. The court considered evidence of drug possession, including 38.0g of diamorphine found on his person and in his flat, along with drug-related paraphernalia. Despite the accused's addiction, the court concluded that the quantity of drugs and other evidence indicated an intent to traffic, leading to his conviction.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court

1.2 Outcome

Guilty as charged

1.3 Case Type

Criminal

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

Lee Chin Seah was charged with trafficking diamorphine. The High Court found him guilty based on evidence of drug possession and intent to distribute.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
Public ProsecutorProsecutionGovernment AgencyGuilty as chargedWon
Hwong Meng Jet of Deputy Public Prosecutors
Toh Yung Cheong of Deputy Public Prosecutors
Wong Li Tien of Deputy Public Prosecutors
Lee Chin SeahDefendantIndividualGuilty as chargedLost

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
MPH RubinJudgeYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Hwong Meng JetDeputy Public Prosecutors
Toh Yung CheongDeputy Public Prosecutors
Wong Li TienDeputy Public Prosecutors
Lee Teck LengTan Peng Chin & Partners
Lawrence WongLawrence Wong & Co

4. Facts

  1. The accused was found in possession of 2 packets and 6 sachets containing not less than 15.56g of diamorphine.
  2. The accused was arrested at Block 325 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3.
  3. A search of the accused's flat revealed 5 packets, 32 sachets and 4 straws containing not less than 22.44g of diamorphine.
  4. The total amount of diamorphine was not less than 38.0g.
  5. The accused admitted in his statements that the heroin was for selling.
  6. Drug-related paraphernalia, including a weighing scale and sealing equipment, were found in the accused's flat.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Public Prosecutor v Lee Chin Seah, CC 1/2000, [2000] SGHC 19

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Accused was observed by CNB officers
Accused was arrested and found in possession of drugs
Accused's flat was searched and more drugs were found
Accused was sent to Changi Prison Hospital for observation
Accused was discharged from Changi Prison Hospital
Accused was admitted to New Changi General Hospital
Accused's section 122(6) statement was recorded
Accused's statement was recorded
Accused's statement was recorded
Accused's statement was recorded
Judgment was delivered

7. Legal Issues

  1. Trafficking of Controlled Drugs
    • Outcome: The court found the accused guilty of trafficking diamorphine.
    • Category: Substantive

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Conviction and sentencing under s 33 of the Misuse of Drugs Act (Cap 185)

9. Cause of Actions

  • Violation of s 5(1)(a) read with s 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act (Cap 185)

10. Practice Areas

  • Criminal Litigation

11. Industries

  • No industries specified

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
No cited cases

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
Misuse of Drugs Act (Cap 185)Singapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Diamorphine
  • Trafficking
  • Misuse of Drugs Act
  • Controlled drug
  • CNB
  • Sachets
  • Milo tin

15.2 Keywords

  • Drug trafficking
  • Diamorphine
  • Singapore
  • Misuse of Drugs Act
  • Criminal law

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Misuse of Drugs Act95
Drug Trafficking80
Controlled Drugs70
Criminal Law60
Criminal Procedure50
Evidence Law40

16. Subjects

  • Criminal Law
  • Drug Offences