28 individuals, including foreigners arrested in drug-fuelled party in Bentong

KUANTAN - A joint operation by the Bentong police and the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division has led to the arrest of 28 individuals, including 10 foreigners, for participating in an illegal drug-fuelled party at a guesthouse on Old Bentong-Tras Road, Sungai Penjuring, Bentong.

In the raid conducted at 12.05am on Tuesday, 12 local men primarily durian farmers and 16 female tourists from Thailand and Laos aged between 19 and 44 were arrested.

Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said that the operation was initiated following a tip-off.

"Upon entering the guesthouse, policemen observed the suspects engaging in a suspicious activity.

"Initial physical examinations did not reveal any illegal substances on the people," Yahaya said.

He said this during a meeting at the monthly gathering of the Pahang Police Contingent earlier today.

However, subsequent urine screenings conducted at the narcotics division in Bentong revealed that all 28 individuals tested positive for amphetamine and ketamine.

Yahaya said initial investigations indicated that all suspects had consumed drugs at the guesthouse on the night of the raid.

They have been remanded for four days pending further investigation under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

The Pahang top cop also urged guesthouse owners to exercise greater vigilance in screening their guests to prevent their premises from being used for illicit activities.

"Guesthouse owners must take responsibility for ensuring that their establishments are not misused for illegal or harmful purposes," Yahaya said.