PP v Kisshahllini: Drug Importation at Woodlands Checkpoint - Misuse of Drugs Act

In [2016] SGHC 57, the High Court of Singapore convicted Kisshahllini A/P Paramesuvaran for importing not less than 14.99g of diamorphine into Singapore at Woodlands Checkpoint, in violation of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The court, presided over by Justice Tay Yong Kwang, sentenced her to 22 years' imprisonment, effective from the date of her arrest, which included 12 months in lieu of caning, considering her female gender and the quantity of drugs involved.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court of the Republic of Singapore

1.2 Outcome

Accused sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment.

1.3 Case Type

Criminal

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

Kisshahllini was convicted for importing diamorphine into Singapore. The court sentenced her to 22 years' imprisonment, including 12 months in lieu of caning.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
Public ProsecutorProsecutionGovernment AgencyJudgment for ProsecutionWon
Yvonne Poon of Attorney-General’s Chambers
Isaac Tan of Attorney-General’s Chambers
Kisshahllini A/P ParamesuvaranDefendantIndividualAccused sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonmentLost

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Tay Yong KwangJudgeYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Yvonne PoonAttorney-General’s Chambers
Isaac TanAttorney-General’s Chambers
Amarick GillAmarick Gill LLC

4. Facts

  1. The accused, a 24-year-old Malaysian, imported two bundles of granular substances into Singapore.
  2. The substances were found to contain not less than 14.99g of diamorphine.
  3. The drugs were concealed inside the accused's underwear.
  4. The accused was promised money to import the drugs.
  5. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
  6. The accused had no prior criminal record.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Public Prosecutor v Kisshahllini a/p Paramesuvaran, Criminal Case No 18 of 2016, [2016] SGHC 57

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Accused imported diamorphine into Singapore at Woodlands Immigration Checkpoint.
Arrest made
Hearing date
Judgment issued

7. Legal Issues

  1. Importation of Controlled Drugs
    • Outcome: The court found the accused guilty of importing diamorphine into Singapore.
    • Category: Substantive
  2. Sentencing for Drug Offences
    • Outcome: The court sentenced the accused to 22 years' imprisonment, including 12 months in lieu of caning.
    • Category: Procedural
    • Related Cases:
      • [2002] SGHC 93

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Imprisonment

9. Cause of Actions

  • Importation of Controlled Drugs

10. Practice Areas

  • Criminal Law
  • Drug Trafficking

11. Industries

  • No industries specified

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
PP v Yap Siew LuanHigh CourtYes[2002] SGHC 93SingaporeCited regarding the imposition of an additional imprisonment term for a female offender in lieu of caning for importing drugs.

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
Misuse of Drugs Act (Cap 185, 2008 Rev Ed) s 7Singapore
Misuse of Drugs Act (Cap 185, 2008 Rev Ed) s 33(1)Singapore
Criminal Procedure Code (Cap 68, 2012 Rev Ed) s 325(1)(a)Singapore
Criminal Procedure Code (Cap 68, 2012 Rev Ed) s 325(2)Singapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Diamorphine
  • Importation
  • Misuse of Drugs Act
  • Woodlands Checkpoint
  • Courier
  • Caning

15.2 Keywords

  • Drug Importation
  • Diamorphine
  • Singapore
  • Criminal Law
  • Sentencing

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Misuse of Drugs Act100
Criminal Law90
Criminal Procedure60

16. Subjects

  • Criminal Law
  • Drug Offences
  • Sentencing