KOTA MARUDU: A house here was found to be used as a makeshift processing centre for ketum water.
The discovery was made in a police raid on the house at Kampung Ongkilan, about 10km from the town, on Monday.
Kota Marudu District Police Chief Supt Zairolnizal Ishak said his men from the Criminal Investigation Department raided the house about 10pm following a public tip-off.
He said 19 plastic bags containing greenish powder believed to be ketum and 18 mineral water plastic bottles containing brownish liquid believed to be ketum water were found.
SPONSORED CONTENT Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year. Read more They also seized paraphernalia worth some RM400 used to process and produce ketum water.
“We detained a 36-year-old man, the house owner, to facilitate investigations,” he said, Tuesday.
Supt Zairolnizal said they were still checking to see where the suspect obtained the ketum powder and how it was brought into the district.
“We believe what we found was only meant for local consumption in the district,” he said.
“The suspect has been remanded for four days under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code for investigation under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952.
“The man faces up to five years in jail or a fine not more than RM100,000, or both, if found guilty,” he added.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.