SHAH ALAM: Desperation to obtain drugs and financial difficulties were believed to be the reason why a police sergeant stole materials from an exhibit storage at the Sepang police headquarters.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar said the 44-year-old personnel was detained at 12.30pm Monday (July 31) at Sepang police headquarters.
"We managed to recover 272 evidence bags containing 486g of heroin and syabu.
"The suspect led investigators to bushes near his home at the government quarters complex in Nilai, where he dumped the stolen items.
"However, we are still searching for other evidence bags that went missing," he told a press conference at the state police headquarters on Wednesday (Aug 2).
Initial investigations showed that the suspect had broken into the vicinity of the administrative office, where the exhibits were located, he said.
"He did not manage to actually break into the storage area as it is secured and filled with evidence from ongoing cases.
"The evidence bags stolen were placed at the office as it belonged to cases that have been completed and been slotted to be disposed of.
"We are investigating whether the suspect intended to sell the stolen evidence," said Comm Hussein, who added that the suspect, who is an assistant investigating officer at Sepang Commercial Crime Investigation division, has been remanded for further investigation.
"He has served in the police force for 21 years but he has disciplinary problems.
"When the break-in occurred, the suspect was in the midst of being pulled from active duty as he tested positive for syabu on July 14," he said.
Comm Hussein said Selangor police will not compromise in taking action against any officer or personnel who commit offences.
"Stern action will be taken against the bad apples," he added.
