High-ranking cop, officers nabbed in raids in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR - A bid to curb crime in Malaysia has seen more than 10 police officers, including two policewomen caught during raids.

Eight of the officers were nabbed in Johor, two in Penang and a high-ranking officer in Perak.

All those caught are being investigated for suspected drug abuse, and may also face disciplinary action for frequenting entertainment outlets.

In the latest raid conducted on June 20, a narcotics team from Bukit Aman arrested an Assistant Superintendent and an inspector and a constable at an entertainment outlet in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya in Johor.

According to sources the officers tested positive for amphetamine-type stimulants.

In the raid, police picked up 71 other persons and seized almost 2,165 Ecstasy pills with a street value of RM86,000, but sources say the initial investigations showed no link between the nabbed officers and the pills.

In two earlier raids, two Inspectors in Penang and a senior officer in Ipoh were detained in joint operations involving the Bukit Aman narcotics teams, the state police disciplinary task force and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Narcotics crime investigation department deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Othman Harun, confirmed the arrests of the three personnel in Johor and the other three in Penang and Ipoh.

He said the six - aged between 30 and 56 - have been released on police bail, pending results from the chemistry laboratory.

DCP Othman added that the urine test results were expected in two weeks, and those involved may be charged in court for drug abuse.

“The arrests and action are part of ongoing operations nationwide to cultivate a good and clean image of the police force,” the Star Online quoted him as saying.

Meanwhile, in another case in Johor, at least five officers - the most senior being a deputy superintendant - were nabbed at an entertainment outlet in Sri Aman, Johor Baru. Two of them were policewomen.

Urine tests taken from them, however, turned out negative.

DCP Othman said police officers caught at entertainment outlets without any proper explanation are liable to disciplinary action for violating directives set by the Inspector-General of Police.

DCP Othman said even off-duty officers were not allowed to patronise pubs, dance clubs and entertainment outlets without approval. (ANI)