ALOR GAJAH: An Indonesian man who escaped handcuffed from the Alor Gajah Court complex on Monday was recaptured yesterday evening in a local durian orchard after an extensive police operation.
The 38-year-old suspect, facing drug-related charges, was apprehended at 6.10pm by a massive search team comprising 70 officers from multiple agencies, including police, customs, and General Operations Force personnel.
Melaka deputy police chief Datuk Md Nazri Nawawi said that the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly cornered during the raid.
A brief scuffle resulted in facial swelling for the fugitive, who was found without handcuffs.
The suspect's initial escape occurred when he allegedly pushed an escorting officer at the court complex, climbing a fence and fleeing into nearby woods.
Police immediately launched Op Kesan to track him down.
"The suspect acted alone and received no external assistance during his escape," Md Nazri said.
The man will now face additional charges of escaping lawful custody and be remanded at Alor Gajah Court.