Ex-Myanmar Times CEO gets 13-year sentence on drug charges

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MYANMAR–The Yangon West District Court handed down long-term prison sentences to seven people including Australian national Ross Dunkley, Former CEO of the Myanmar Times newspaper, on drug charges on August 7.

Both Dunkley and Britain national John McKenzie got the 13-year sentence each under Section 19 (a) of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law while Han Ni Soe, Hayman Lwin, Thu Zar, Win Win and Hnin Ei Khaing were sentenced to 11 years in prison under Sections 19 (a) and 21 of the law.

This verdict came after over 50 court hearings.

Acting on a tip-off, the police searched Dunkley’s house on June 6, 2018. The police arrested nine people including Dunkley and McKenzie as methamphetamine, WY stimulant tablets, ICE, opium, marijuana, opium cakes amongst foreign currency were found. Two people were later released as they were not directly involved in the case.

Min Thant, an information officer of Yangon West District Court said: “Ross Dunkley is found guilty as narcotic drugs are found in Ross Dunkley’s underground room. Ross Dunkley and John McKenzie are responsible for it as narcotic drugs are found at the private place. Both are found to use methamphetamine, according to the urine samples.”

“Five women refuted the charges against them citing that they were housemaids at Ross Dunkley’s house. They cannot submit other valid evidence. Apart from Win Win, four women are found to use narcotic drugs. Win Win did not submit valid evidence why she was present at Ross Dunkley’s house,” Min Thant added. /jpv