RANAU: Police arrested two local men in separate raids and seized 27 bottles of ketum water during an operation targeting the sale and processing of the illicit substance in a village, here, Tuesday.
The two suspects, aged 25 and 37, were arrested separately at about 5.30pm and 5.40pm following intelligence gathering and information provided by members of the local community.
The operation was conducted by the Ranau District Police Headquarters Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (BSJND).
In the first raid at about 5.30pm, police arrested a 25-year-old man and seized 10 mineral water bottles, each containing about 1.5 litres of ketum water.
Police also seized a polystyrene box, stove burner, green gas cylinder, cooking stove and cooking pot, which are believed to have been used to prepare the ketum water.
About 10 minutes later, police conducted a separate raid and detained a 37-year-old man.
The second suspect was found in possession of 17 mineral water bottles, each containing about 1.5 litres of ketum water.
Police also seized a red container, two green gas cylinders, a cooking stove and a cooking pot.
The equipment seized in both operations is believed to have been used in the processing and preparation of ketum water.
Police said the arrests were the result of continuous intelligence gathering and information provided by members of the public, highlighting the important role of the community in assisting law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal activities.
The suspects are being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952, which provides for a maximum fine of RM100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both upon conviction.
