KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 5 -- The use of capital punishment for drug offenses in South-east Asia is inadvertently strengthening organised crime by eliminating potential witnesses and leaving major traffickers untouched, according to Hayat, a civil society organisation.

Dobby Chew, Hayat's chief executive, said drug syndicates have benefited indirectly from the death penalty because it systematically helps eliminate couriers, individuals with potentially crucial information that could lead law enforcement to the upper echelons of the supply chain.

Couriers occupy the lowest, most disposable rung of illicit narcotics trade.This vulnerability allows organised crime groups to exploit them without the risk of exposure: if the drugs are successfull...