KOTA TINGGI – Thirteen individuals who were brewing ketum juice under a canopy were among 58 individuals detained by the Johor police for various drug-related offences during a special operation carried out from 11pm yesterday till 7am this morning at four Felda settlements in the district.
Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said during the operation, 63 individuals were tested at the four Felda settlements and one housing estate.
“Of the 58 detained, 55 were men while three others were women, aged between 18 and 60.
“The 13 individuals had set up a canopy and were brewing ketum like a feast.
“When police raided, they claimed that they needed to drink the ketum juice to strengthen their endurance while working,” he told reporters after a Felda settlers’ dialogue with the police chief at Felda Adela, here today.
Kamarul said all those who were detained had also tested positive, and 41 had previous records for drug-related offences and crime, while one was on the list of a wanted criminal.
Also present were Johor deputy police chief M. Kumar and Kota Tinggi police chief Hussin Zamora.
“We seized 11.91 grams syabu, 6.05 grams heroin and 1.9 litres ketum juice,” he said, adding that all the suspects would be remanded for four days starting today. – Bernama, December 11, 2022
