RANAU: Police have dismantled a ketum processing and distribution operation here, following the arrest a 28-year-old local in an operation in a village.
In the 1.30pm operation conducted by officers from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (NCID) of IPD Ranau, 17 bottles containing 1.5 litres of ketum juice each were seized.
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Also confiscated were a yellow gas cylinder, a portable cooking stove and a large cooking pot believed used in the preparation and processing of ketum juice.
Ketum, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, has become a growing concern for enforcement agencies due to its misuse and illegal processing.
Although traditionally used in some communities, the processing and consumption of ketum juice without authorisation is prohibited under Malaysian law due to its psychoactive effects and potential for abuse.
The case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 and those convicted may face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
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District Police Chief Supt Mursalin Mahmud reaffirmed the police commitment to combating illegal activities that threaten public safety and social wellbeing.
He said IPD Ranau will continue to intensify enforcement operations and intelligence-gathering to curb the production, distribution and abuse of ketum and other prohibited substances throughout the district.
“We will not compromise with individuals involved in unlawful activities. We will continue to conduct operations and take firm action against those who violate the law in order to protect the wellbeing and safety of the community,” he said.
