An Australian grandmother has escaped the death penalty in Malaysia after being cleared of trafficking drugs.

Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto was arrested at Kuala Lumpur airport in December 2014 carrying 2.4 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

The court accepted her argument that she had been unaware of the presence of the drugs in her luggage.

According to the BBC, her lawyer said she had fallen for an online romance scam and had been tricked into carrying the drugs.

Death by hanging is mandatory for drug trafficking in Malaysia. Anyone found in possession of at least 1.75 ounces of crystal meth is considered a trafficker.

The 54-year-old woman, who has three grandchildren wept and hugged her son after being acquitted.

She had been travelling from Shanghai to Melbourne when she was arrested.

Taiwan National Day Celebration

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