Cops detained over escape of drug suspect

GEORGE TOWN: Five policemen have been detained over the escape of a suspect facing a drug charge during a vehicle breakdown in Jalan Paya Terubong.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Anuar Omar said the policemen were being investigated under Section 223 of the Penal Code for negligence by a public servant in allowing the escape of a person under custody.

The personnel, he said, were in a police van ferrying the 43-year-old suspect, identified as Anuar Ayat, and two others to the Balik Pulau Hospital for treatment during the 12.30am incident yesterday.

“The van broke down at a traffic light junction in Jalan Paya Terubong.

“The suspect jumped out and fled the scene when one of the policemen opened the door to check on them.

“All the suspects were handcuffed then,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

The two other suspects, said ACP Anuar, were in the van, and a manhunt has been launched.

The suspect was scheduled to attend a court hearing today.