Malaysian actor jailed for 11 years over Indonesian drug smuggling

MEDAN, Indonesia - A Malaysian actor was sentenced to 11 years in prison Wednesday for trying to smuggle crystal methamphetamine into the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Khaeryll Benjamin bin Ibrahim was arrested with 4.5 grams of the narcotics in April at Kualanamu International Airport.

In addition to the jail time, the 38-year-old was ordered to pay a fine of $74,000 by the Medan District Court.

However, the prison term was lower than the 14 years recommended by prosecutors and he escaped a possible death penalty.

"We declare the defendant Benjy proven legally and convincingly guilty... against the law of possessing and controlling narcotics," head judge Wahyu Prasetyo Wibowo said.

Ibrahim - known to fans as Benjy - is the son of legendary Malaysian actress Azean Irdawaty, according to Malaysian media. - AFP