SINGAPORE, July 18 (UPI) -- An Australian TV journalist in Singapore Friday faced drugs charges that could result in a stiff prison term and 15 strokes with a cane.
Peter Lloyd, 41, Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s South Asia correspondent, was charged with drug trafficking and possession after being accused of giving a packet of crystalline substance to another person who also was charged, Singapore's The Straits Times reported.
The charges were read to Lloyd in a hospital where, his company said, he was being treated for an eye infection. Lloyd is to appear in court next Friday.
If convicted of drug trafficking, he could be sentenced to 20 years in prison and be struck 15 times with a cane. Possession of drugs is punishable with up to 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine.
Singapore authorities said Lloyd was arrested Wednesday and that his urine had tested positive for amphetamine.
ABC News Director John Cameron said Lloyd was in Singapore on leave from his posting in New Delhi when arrested.
The report quoted Australia's foreign minister saying consular officials ensured Lloyd will receive legal representation.
