Two Malaysians and a Singaporean convicted of trafficking in heroin escaped death sentences after prosecutors reduced the charges, news reports said Saturday.
The three were nabbed after smuggling 18.4 grams of heroin into the city-state from Johor, a total above the 15-gram threshold that ordinarily carries mandatory capital punishment under the city- state's stringent drug laws.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Leong Wing Tuck told The Straits Times that the charges were reduced after discussions with defence lawyers, but he did not elaborate.
Two of the trio pleaded guilty Friday in the High Court to ferrying 14.99 grams, while the third admitted possessing the same amount.
Malaysians Lim Chan Pung, 22, and Tai Kang Seng, 25, each received 20 years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane. Singaporean Chia Teck Khoon, 40, was sentenced to 23 years and ordered to receive 15 strokes.
"You have been foolish to have been involved in the drug trade," Justice Woo Bih Li was quoted as saying. "You should also realize how fortunate you are not to face a capital charge."
Lawyers said the amount of heroin seized, less than 4 grams above the threshold for death, likely contributed to the decision to reduce the charges.
The men were arrested on October 17, after the Central Narcotics Bureau received a tip that Chia was planning to bring in heroin from Malaysia. ( dpa )