KUALA LUMPUR: A 45-year-old suspect in a narcotics case escaped police custody on the way to court but was found and rearrested within four hours.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the incident occurred at about 9.40am on Tuesday (July 11).
"The suspect fled as he was about to board a police truck at the Dang Wangi police headquarters," he said.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily added that the suspect was supposed to be transported to the Jalan Duta court complex, where he was facing a charge under Section 39A of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
"We quickly launched an operation to track down the suspect," he told reporters after attending the KL police monthly assembly here on Wednesday (July 12).
The suspect was rearrested in Jinjang at about 1.50pm on the same day, he said.
"We have already taken action against the six personnel on duty and opened an investigation paper. Once the investigation is completed, we will pursue possible disciplinary action," he added.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily also refuted speculation on social media that he was in the dark about the incident.
"The Dang Wangi OCPD already briefed me after the incident, what was said on social media is untrue," he said.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily commended Dang Wangi police for their commitment in tracking down and apprehending the fugitive.
"It is a testament to their commitment as finding a person in KL is like looking for a needle in a haystack," he said.
