Queenslander on drugs charges in Bu

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Subject: Queenslander on drugs charges in Burma

Queenslander on drugs charges in Burma
Tuesday 27 April, 1999 (8:46am AEST)  
  Source:ABC
  Australian authorities in Burma have confirmed that a Queensland man is on
trial in Rangoon, charged with several drug-related offences.

The Australian embassy says the man was arrested more than two months ago.

Diplomats in Rangoon are saying little about case, just that the 44-year-old
entered Burma on a tourist visa.

Australian embassy official Peter Edwards says the man was arrested in a
house with three Burmese men on February 15.

"He's been charged under the narcotics Act," Mr Edwards said.

"He's presently undergoing trial. The trial has been going for about four
weeks and will take several more weeks to be completed."

The embassy says the man is being held in a Rangoon prison.

Diplomats say they are visiting him regularly and he is physically healthy.