Manhunt launched for detainees who escaped from lockup

KOTA KINABALU: Two criminal suspects have escaped from the Kota Kinabalu court lockup on Monday (July 1) and police are on the hunt for them.

The duo were detained at the Kota Kinabalu court lockup after they were charged with possessing stolen items, but made an escape not long after that.

Sabah police deputy commissioner Datuk Zaini Jass said the duo - Affandy Zaineh, 31, and Mohd Zaini Mohamad Mahdi, 25 - were detained at the lockup while waiting for further action, prior to the 11.30am escape.

“We believe the duo managed to unlock their cell gate and walked out undetected,” he said during a press conference here Thursday (July 4).

He said a manhunt was mounted once officials realised the duo were missing.

“Apart from their initial case, they are now also wanted for resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension,” he said.

Zaini urged the public to immediately contact the nearest police station if they come into contact with the suspects.

In another incident, a young couple could face the death sentence after they were nabbed for having in their possession some 1.5kg of syabu.

The foreigners, aged 20 and 17, believed traffickers, were arrested in the state capital at about 10.30pm on July 2.

Zaini said when they were apprehended, the man was holding a shopping bag containing drugs.

“When the plastic bag was inspected, policemen found a make-up bag that contained green tea packets,” he said.

He said the drugs were found inside the packets.

Zaini said the drugs, valued at about RM75,000, were believed obtained from someone in Sepanggar.

The couple are being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.- Star