Drug suspect found dead in lockup
GEORGETOWN - A suspect connected to a drug distribution syndicate was found dead in a lockup at the Seberang Perai Selatan district police headquarters in Nibong Tebal, today.
Penang police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the individual, who was in his 40s, was found by an on-duty officer at 10am after the remand process was completed.
He said the suspect, identified as a businessman, was found near the cell door.
“During the incident, the suspect with four others suspected of being involved in a drug distribution syndicate were detained yesterday," he said, adding that the suspect was arrested in a premise at Lunas, Kulim.
He had four prior criminal records and a urine tests found him negative for drugs,” he said in a press conference at the Penang contingent police headquarters on Thursday.
Khaw added CCTV footages found the suspect had hung his clothes on the prison bars.
Inspections by the coroner confirmed no criminal elements were found on the suspect.
“The case is investigated as a sudden death report (SDR),” he said.
Commenting on the four other arrested suspects, Khaw said all suspects were arrested in four different raids between noon on July 5 to 7am on July 6.
He added the first and second suspect were unemployed, the third was a shop assistant and the fifth worked as a gardener.
Khaw said the first arrest was made at a parking lot in Nibong Tebal, both suspects aged 49 and 58 were arrested in a Perodua Alza.
The first suspect had two previous records, while the second suspect had no prior criminal record. During the arrest, law enforcement discovered 16 compressed lumps of leaves, totaling 11,327 grams of cannabis with an estimated value of RM37,400.
Additionally, two packages containing 1,033 grams of mushroom drugs, valued at RM51,600, as well as 45 boxes containing 450 mushroom cigarettes, worth RM27,000, were found in the car.
“The total weight of the drugs seized were 12.72 kilograms worth RM116,00. It would be able to supply 50,000 abusers if it was distributed in the market.
"The second raid resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old man in Taman Tasik Mutiara, Nibong Tebal, who was found in possession of cannabis. He had 15 prior records. The subsequent arrest was of the suspect who tragically passed away in the lockup," said Khaw.
The police also seized two cars, a motorcycle and cash worth RM85,520. The total value of drugs and items seized were RM201,520. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, he said.
Khaw said Penang police arrested 7,216 individuals for drug offences from Jan 1, to June 30 this year.
