KOTA KINABALU: A woman has been arrested in Penampang for allegedly possessing ketum products.
The 43-year-old suspect was detained during an operation at 1pm on Friday (June 19) at a house in Kg Ulu Sebarang, said Penampang OCPD Supt Sammy Newton.
He said the woman was found with 30 bottles filled with suspected ketum liquid and a plastic bag of green leaves believed to be ketum, worth RM975 in total.
Police also confiscated equipment suspected to be used in processing ketum, he added.
"We are investigating under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952," he said.
Under this section, it is illegal for anyone to import, export, manufacture, compound, mix, dispense, sell, supply, administer, possess, or use any psychotropic substance unless it is strictly in accordance with applicable regulations.
Anyone found guilty is liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or jail of up to four years, or both upon conviction.
Planting ketum or possessing ketum products are offences under the law, with some insisting that the plant is used as an alternative health supplement.
