KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer allegedly involved in the loss of evidence involving US$6 million (RM25 million) is now being probed for drug-pushing activities.
According to Malaysiakini, Bukit Aman Narcotics Investigation Department director Datuk Razarudin Husain said the suspect is now being held under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.
Razarudin said investigators found possible elements of drug trafficking in the case when they arrested two other individuals who were addicts and possessed drugs.
“Initially, police only detailed the suspect (MACC officer) to investigate him for being in possession of Erimin 5 pills and because his urine test came back positive for drug abuse, following a report lodged by MACC.
“We suspect that he is involved in pushing Erimin 5 pills and also methamphetamine,” he was quoted as saying by the news portal.
The suspect is one of three senior officers detained by the MACC last month as part of its investigation into allegations of abuse of power and malfeasance.
It is learnt that the officers were suspected of being involved in the missing cash, which was among evidence seized in the corruption case involving former director-general of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid.
It is understood that the missing cash in American dollars amounting to about RM25 million was seized by the MACC from an apartment in Cyberjaya in 2018 and kept as evidence by the commission.
Hasanah was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal for the charges in April.
According to The Sun Daily, the seized cash was returned to her but Hasanah found a large amount of it had been stolen and replaced with counterfeit bank notes.
Citing the same report, it is understood that the anti-graft officer tested positive for methamphetamine as well as amphetamine and benzo, substances typically found in Erimin 5.
Razarudin added that police believe the suspect may have been involved in narcotics trafficking for more than a year.
“The suspect is currently being held for 60 days under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.
“However, we may not hold him for that long, just until the investigation is wrapped up, and then we will submit the investigation paper to the Home Ministry for further instruction.” – The Vibes, October 20, 2021
