RANAU: Two local men were arrested in separate raids in Kampung Bongkud here on Saturday for allegedly being involved in the sale and storage of ketum, with seized items estimated to be worth hundreds if ringgit.
Ranau District Police Chief, Supt. Mursalin Mahmud said the operation began at about 2pm on February 22 when a team from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Ranau District Police Headquarters (IPD) raided an unnumbered house in the village.
“An inspection at the scene found a gunny sack placed on the front floor of the house. Further checks revealed that the sack contained ketum leaves weighing approximately 1.4 kilograms, estimated to be worth RM120.
“The 37-year-old man present at the premises was arrested, and record checks showed that the suspect has two previous records,” he said.
According to Mursalin, at about 3pm on the same day, the same team carried out a second raid at a different location in the same village.
“A 49-year-old man was arrested after police found 18 bottles of 1.5 litres each, suspected to contain ketum juice, stored in a refrigerator in the bedroom of the house.
“Each bottle is believed to be sold at RM30, bringing the estimated total value to RM540. The second suspect was found to have no prior record,” he added.
The operation was led by the Head of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of IPD Ranau, Insp. Abdul Fatah Qasim.
Mursalin said the consumption of ketum juice is an offence under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952, which carries a maximum fine of RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
He stressed that police will continue to intensify operations from time to time to curb ketum-related activities and to ensure the well-being of the Ranau district.
