Drug crimes lawyer in Yunnan sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking

A former lawyer in Pu'er city, southwest China's Yunnan Province, who previously defended drug-related cases, was found in possession of almost 500 grams of drugs. He was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.

The convicted lawyer, surnamed Yang, drove a car carrying the drugs and was stopped and searched by police. The police found a total of 480.82 grams of opium and 8.04 grams of heroin hidden in various compartments in his car and his clothes.

Using his experience as a lawyer, Yang claimed that his actions constituted "possession" rather than "trafficking" and that he had no intent to sell for a profit. 

Nevertheless, the court in Pu'er rejected Yang's appeal, emphasizing the risk that transporting such a large volume of drugs poses to public safety.