COPS HELD FOR ALLEGED DRUG USE

2 Penang police officers still on duty pending pathology report

TWO Penang police officers were detained last Friday for alleged drug abuse after an initial urine test came back positive for benzodiazepines (benzo) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The deputy superintendent, 39, and sergeant, 42, were attached to the Seberang Prai Tengah district police headquarters.

Deputy state police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad yesterday said the federal police Integrity and Standards Compliance Department had had a meeting at the district police headquarters where urine tests were carried out.

“The two men’s urine test came back positive for benzo and THC.

“They were detained for 24 hours to assist in the investigation.

“However, the magistrate did not grant us a remand order against the two, saying that both are in active service and can present themselves anytime for investigation.”

Usuf said the two officers were on duty as usual as there was no instruction on disciplinary actions pending the pathology report.

“Police will conduct two investigations, one for drug-related offences and disciplinary investigation. No drugs were found.”

Earlier this month, InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain pulled no punches when he issued a stern warning against errant members in the force.

He said those who failed to adhere and comply with the disciplinary and code of ethics should “berambus” (leave the force).

Razarudin reminded his men that they were members of the Royal Malaysia Police and not “police, Raja di Malaysia” (royalty in the country) when discharging their duties and responsibilities.

Recently, five policemen in the state were charged with extorting a factory worker in Permatang Tinggi Bukit Mertajam.

The five personnel, aged between 24 and 48, were detained after police received a report from the 27-year-old man, who allegedly paid RM4,500 to the suspects.