Couple From Malaysia Sentenced For Importing Ice

On Thursday, June 27, 2013, Kalidhasdsan Magalingam and Kaali Chellathura were sentenced to  
51 months incarceration for their part in importing 961.3 grams net weight of methamphetamine hydrochloride of 98% purity — ice.  The penalty generally brings a mandatory 10 years of incarceration, but the defendants qualified for the “safety valve” because this was their first offense and they were merely couriers.  They are married, both citizens of Malaysia.  They traveled to Hong Kong, received the ice, which was hidden in special shoes and a bra, and attempted to carry it through the airport on September 13, 2012.  They were stopped and searched after presenting their passports.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security  Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karon V. Johnson.