Namewee was accused in a drug use case, but was acquitted and released after his urine test results came back negative. However, the fact that his urine test results switched from positive to negative has sparked widespread discussion.
In October, Namewee was implicated in the case surrounding the sudden death of Taiwanese internet celebrity Hsieh Youxin. Although it was not proven that he was directly involved in the death, police did find a blue pill on him at the scene, and his initial urine test showed positive reactions for four types of drugs: amphetamine, meth, ketamine, and marijuana. As a result, he was indicted by Malaysian police for drug possession and use. Namewee denied all related charges at the time. To everyone's surprise, two months later, these charges were actually dropped.
Taiwanese forensic expert Dr. Kao Dacheng spoke to local media about the possibility of a urine test result changing from positive to negative. He said that on-site police urine testing is highly reliable—if the initial test was positive, it basically means drugs were used. However, most drugs are expelled from the body within five days; so, if the second test was done over five days later—still using a urine test—of course there would be no drug reaction detected.
Kao pointed out that he was not familiar with Malaysian police procedures. In Taiwan, if a second substance screening is required, hair samples would be used instead of urine, since drugs can stay in hair for several months—up to half a year. Relying only on urine testing is quite lax. Even if Namewee has no head hair, they could use pubic or leg hair.
Kao said he felt the news was rather baffling, but viewing it from the other side, it makes sense that the defense lawyer would argue for acquittal. The main point of this case is "what happened at the time," not "what's happening now." It's unclear whether the lawyer submitted a urine test from a week after the incident or one taken right after. The details still depend on the judgment.
Although the drug use charge has been dropped, Namewee still faces a drug possession charge. That case is scheduled to continue on January 19th of next year. In addition, the investigation into Hsieh Youxin's sudden death is still ongoing, and Namewee may be required to testify or assist with that investigation as part of the inquiry.
Taiwanese forensic expert Dr. Kao Dacheng spoke to local media about the possibility of a urine test result changing from positive to negative. He said that on-site police urine testing is highly reliable—if the initial test was positive, it basically means drugs were used. However, most drugs are expelled from the body within five days; so, if the second test was done over five days later—still using a urine test—of course there would be no drug reaction detected.
Kao pointed out that he was not familiar with Malaysian police procedures. In Taiwan, if a second substance screening is required, hair samples would be used instead of urine, since drugs can stay in hair for several months—up to half a year. Relying only on urine testing is quite lax. Even if Namewee has no head hair, they could use pubic or leg hair.
Kao said he felt the news was rather baffling, but viewing it from the other side, it makes sense that the defense lawyer would argue for acquittal. The main point of this case is "what happened at the time," not "what's happening now." It's unclear whether the lawyer submitted a urine test from a week after the incident or one taken right after. The details still depend on the judgment.
Although the drug use charge has been dropped, Namewee still faces a drug possession charge. That case is scheduled to continue on January 19th of next year. In addition, the investigation into Hsieh Youxin's sudden death is still ongoing, and Namewee may be required to testify or assist with that investigation as part of the inquiry.