JOHOR BARU: Two former lovers escaped the gallows after they were acquitted of possession and distribution of drugs and subsequently released.

       Mobile phone salesman Goo Woei Tye, 33, and his ex-girlfriend, online boutique operator Yang Wendy, 25, were cleared of five and four charges respectively under Sections 39B(1)(a) and 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

       They were jointly charged four years ago with three counts of distributing 162.55g of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 14.89g of ketamine at an apartment in Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir at about 6.45pm on Nov 15, 2017.

       They were also jointly charged with possessing 40.14g of MDMA at the same location and time.

       Goo was also charged with one count of the possession of 2.78g of MDMA at the same place and time.

       Five witnesses were called to the stand throughout the trial.

       High Court judge Justice Ahmad Kamal Md Syahid yesterday ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case and freed both accused.

       After the decision was handed down, Yang, accompanied by a relative, ran out of the courtroom while Goo walked out slowly shortly after.

       Goo was represented by lawyer Mohd Daud Ismail and Hang Lee Ying while Yang was represented by RK Menon. DPP Faizal @ Amrin Noor Hadi led the prosecution.