Australian journalist faces new drug charges

Singapore, Jul 26 (UNI) An Australian television journalist, already charged with drug trafficking in Singapore, faced three new drug charges, reports said today.

According to court documents, the 41-year old Peter Lloyd yesterday faced one new charge of consuming the stimulant methamphetamine and two charges of possessing drug paraphernalia stained with methamphetamine and ketamine at a local hospital room.

Lloyd was initially charged with trafficking methamphetamine to a Singaporean at a hotel last week. A second charge alleged that he was in possession of methamphetamine, also known as "ice", at a local hospital.

But these initial charges were amended yesterday, reducing the methamphetamine amounts allegedly involved in trafficking to 0.15 gram, and possession to 0.41 gram, Singapore media reported.

Lloyd, on bail of 60,000 Singapore dollar, will have his case heard again in court next Friday.

If convicted of the consumption charge, he will face upto 10 years term in prison, a 20,000 Singapore dollar fine, or both.

If convicted of the trafficking charge, the Australian broadcast journalist will face between five and 20 years term behind bars and five to 15 strokes of the cane.

UNI XC SLD ND0930