SIBU: Police have detained three people, including a woman, and are hunting for a fourth in connection with the murder of a contractor from Kuching.
Sibu OCPD, Asst Comm Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said on Sunday (Sept 16) that the three persons were picked up at 2am Sunday around Jalan Kampung Nyabor.
The police are still hunting another person believed to be involved in the case.
ACP Ringgit said police believed that the 51-year old victim was beaten up for trying to protect the woman suspect for stealing drugs from one of them.
"The suspects and the victim knew each other and we believe that the incident was due to drugs," he said.
The case came to light when police on beat duty found the victim unconscious in his pickup truck at 7.15am on Saturday (Sept 15) near the Sungai Assan roundabout in Sibu.
The victim was rushed to the hospital with injuries on his face and left arm. However, he passed away at 10pm in the hospital.
ACP Ringgit said after sending the victim's pickup to the Lanang police station, police found a drug inhaling device behind the driver's seat.
"Because of this, we believe that the case is connected with drug activity between the individuals arrested," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.