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Australian Drug Smuggler`s Body Returned Home After Execution

An Australian drug smuggler`s body was released after receiving a guilty verdict and being executed by Singapore officials. His body was released to be flown home Saturday. Nguyen Tuong Van was caught smuggling heroin in 2002 and was executed Friday. A Singapore court convicted him of drug smuggling.

John Howard, Australia`s Prime Minister, had said that the execution would sour relations with the country, but no sanctions would be sought. Officials in Singapore have repeatedly said that their tough penalties for drug-related crimes, including trafficking, are what deter drug activity in their country and they must treat foreign and local criminals alike.

His lawyer and Australian officials pleaded for clemency in the case. Nguyen, 25, was hanged at Changi Prison in Singapore. His distraught mother, Kim Nguyen, accompanied his body on the flight to Melbourne along with his brother, Khoa.