British mother facing Malaysia death penalty

A British mother-of-two is facing the death penalty in Malaysia after police raided a resort she was running with her husband and allegedly uncovered an estimated £16,000 of illegal drugs.

Shivaun Orton, 41, from Bangor, North Wales, and her Malaysian husband Abdul Harris Fadilah, 46, were arrested on the border of Pahang and Terengganu states after the raid on December 13.

Police are said to have found drugs including cannabis, ecstasy and amphetamines after searching the Ranting Resort, in Cherating, which is popular with backpackers. More than 225 grams of heroin was allegedly found nearby.

The couple, who have sons aged 14 and 16, are being held in Kemaman police station in Terengganu state.

Possession of illegal drugs in Malaysia can carry the death penalty.

A spokesman from the Foreign Office in London said he was aware a British national had been arrested in Malaysia on December 13.

He said: "We are in close contact with the authorities. We are providing consular assistance."

The spokesman said he believed charges were yet to be laid.

He added the British Government was "completely opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and we will continue to work on its abolition worldwide".