Six detained in ketum processing operation across Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan

 

Six men were detained for their involvement in ketum processing and drug-related activities, with equipment and contraband worth more than RM50,000 seized. — PIX COURTESY OF GOF

KOTA BARU: Six men were detained for their involvement in ketum processing and drug-related activities, with equipment and contraband worth more than RM50,000 seized.

The six were arrested during a three-day integrated operation across Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, which ended on Thursday.

General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the operation, codenamed Op Bersepadu MITRA 1/26, began on July 21.

He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

"The operation involved five officers and 53 personnel, who simultaneously raided nine locations identified through intelligence gathering," he added.

Ahmad Radzi said the six suspects, aged between 23 and 44, were arrested at various locations in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, with two of them testing positive for methamphetamine.

He said the operation led to the seizure of 274kg of ketum leaves, 986.8 litres of ketum juice, eight plastic drums, four gas cylinders, three cooking pots, three stove sets, three motorcycles, two metal hooks and a ladder.

"The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM55,500.

"All suspects and the seized items have been handed over to the NCID in the respective districts for further investigation and prosecution," he said.

The cases are being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. - NST