RANAU: Police arrested a 39-year-old local man and seized five bottles containing about 1.5 litres of ketum water, along with ketum powder and cooking equipment, during an operation at a village here on Sept 24.
The arrest was carried out by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Ranau District Police Headquarters following continuous intelligence gathering and information from members of the public.
Ranau District Police Chief Supt Mursalin bin Mahmud said the items seized included five mineral water bottles containing ketum water, a one-kilogramme plastic packet of ketum powder, a green gas cylinder and a cooking stove allegedly used in the preparation process.
The suspect was also found to have six previous criminal and drug-related records.
Mursalin said the arrest demonstrated the importance of continuous police intelligence and cooperation from the local community in combating activities involving ketum and other unlawful substances.
The preparation and possession of ketum liquid for consumption are offences under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952, according to the police statement. Upon conviction, offenders may face a maximum fine of RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
