GEORGE TOWN: A suspect, caught for a drug-related offence, was found dead in the lock-up at the Seberang Prai Selatan (SPS) in Nibong Tebal this morning.
The 40-year-old, who has just returned to the lock-up after the remand procedure, was found hanging by his shirt from the grille in his cell about 10am by the officer-in-charge.
Besides the deceased, there were three others in the same cell. They were all sleeping after a meal.
State police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said: "Checks on the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage showed the deceased had taken his own life.
"Checks found no criminal elements involved and the case has been classified as sudden death.
"We have also called in the coroner, as part of our investigation, to confirm the death," he told a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
Khaw said the deceased was among five men, aged between 35 and 58, detained in one of four raids in Nibong Tebal and Kulim between noon yesterday and this morning during a planned drug operation.
"The deceased, with four previous drug-related records, was detained in Lunas, Kedah," he added.
Khaw said the first two suspects, aged 49, and 58, were detained in a Perodua Alza, at a parking space in Nibong Tebal. The first suspect had two previous records for drugs.
Checks inside the vehicle led to the recovery of the drugs.
He said the third suspect, aged 35, with 15 previous drugs and criminal records, was nabbed at Taman Tasek Mutiara. Police also found ganja with him.
The fifth suspect, 56, with 22 previous drugs and criminal records, was nabbed in an unnumbered hut.
"From the four raids, police seized a total of 12.72kg of drugs, including ganja and mushrooms, worth RM116,000.
"Also seized were two cars worth RM80,000, one motorcycle worth RM4,500 and cash totalling RM1,020.
"The total seizures, including the drugs, amounted to RM201,520," he said.
Khaw said all five men were tested positive for drugs.
The drugs, if found their way to the market, can be used by some 50,000 addicts.
The case is probed under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952.
Khaw said between Jan 1 and June 30 this year, Penang police have made a total of 7,216 drug-related arrests.