Saratok police detain man for suspected drug possession during routine patrol

SARATOK (Feb 17): Police have detained a 41-year-old local man for allegedly possession of 8.8 grammes of suspected methamphetamine during a patrol along Jalan Simpang Paip here on Sunday.

Saratok police chief Mathew Manggie said the man was arrested around 6pm during a routine crime prevention patrol in the area.

“The mobile patrol unit spotted a red motorcycle ridden by a man behaving in a suspicious manner.

“The suspect was then stopped for inspection,” he said in a statement.

He added that an initial body search did not uncover any illegal items. However, further inspection of a black sling bag worn by the suspect led to the discovery of a transparent plastic packet containing crystal-like substances believed to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 5.4 grammes.

Police also found a candy container inside the bag containing 10 small transparent plastic packets filled with crystal-like substances believed to be methamphetamine, weighing about 3.4 grammes.

Mathew said the suspect verbally admitted that the drugs belonged to him and were intended for distribution to buyers around the Saratok area.

The total weight of the seized drugs was estimated at 8.8 grammes. Among the items seized were the black sling bag, one transparent plastic packet containing suspected methamphetamine, the green candy container, and 10 small packets of suspected methamphetamine.

The suspect has been arrested, and the case is being investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.