Peter Gardner, the Australian-Kiwi accused of drug smuggling in China, is facing a possible death sentence for allegedly trying to smuggle a record volume of methamphetamine, which is also known as "ice."

In China, drug smuggling involving over 50 grams of methamphetamine is punishable by a 15-year prison sentence, a life in jail, or even the death penalty. Peter Gardner, 25, has allegedly attempted to transport 30.2 kilograms of ice from China to Australia on November 8, 2014, News Corp Australia reported.

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The said drugs were reportedly found inside Peter Gardner's checked-in luggage just a couple of days after he arrived in China, the report added.

He is expected to file a "not guilty" plea before three judges in Guangzhou.Peter Gardner's case will be defended by Chinese lawyers. However, this situation is a source of tension as the Chinese justice system's conviction rate is currently over 99 percent.

The suspect from Sydey was arrested at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport together with his companion Kalynda Davis. The latter's release after a month filled the headlines after she was cleared of any involvement in Peter Gardner's drug trafficking case, News Corp Australia detailed.

Should Peter Gardner be convicted of the alleged drug smuggling, he will be given 10 days to appeal his case, according to Guangzhou Baijian Law Firm partner Chen Yong.

Meanwhile, Gardner's lawyer in New Zealand, Craig Tuck, released a statement saying he does not expect his client's case to extend to more than two days. Chinese lawyers said drug smuggling cases could be done in less than a day, the report relayed.

Peter Gardner's family and legal team received only two weeks' notice that his trial would be expedited. They were previously informed that they would have several months' preparation.Chen explained that drug smuggling cases are usually expedited when the evidence against the accused is clear and when there are only a few legal disputes.

Australia has not yet commented on Peter Gardner's drug smuggling case. The drug trafficking suspect was travelling to China using his New Zealand passport, so his case is being handled by officials from New Zealand, the report explained.

TagsPeter Gardner, Kalynda Davis, Drug Smuggling, methamphetamine, Death Sentence, Australia, new zealand