KUALA LUMPUR – A thorough investigation must be done to find out how three police officers from the Kajang contingent, who were nabbed at a nightclub in Cheras last week for drug use, obtained their drug supply, urged Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng.
In a statement, Lim said that a thorough probe is crucial to identify how the policemen managed to get the drugs and how they financially supported their illegal activities.
“Are these police officers, who are devoid of integrity, part of a bigger criminal network? Are they stealing drugs from dealers or from the police evidence room?
“These questions need to be answered if we are serious about taking effective measures in curbing corruption and crime within the police force,” said the DAP lawmaker.
Three police officers were among 14 individuals arrested while partying at an entertainment centre in Taman Dutamas, Cheras last Saturday after they tested positive for drugs.
According to Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the trio were placed on a day-long remand for further investigations under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He also said that they had been reassigned to the Selangor police headquarters’ management department pending investigation results. A disciplinary proceedings would follow as part of the internal procedure.
Lim also expressed his concerns that the arrest of the three policemen has revealed a worrying trend as he pointed out that investigations on drug abuse among policemen all this time have always been focused on individual cases.
He said the investigation approach is inadequate and fails to address the wider network and the system which allows such crimes to continue within the force.
Lim argued that a thorough investigative approach needs to be adopted, which not only focuses on those guilty individuals but also exposes the “culture or internal network” that enables drug abuse or other illegal activities within the police force.
“I urge the leadership of the police force as well as the government to immediately take stern actions by launching a full, transparent investigation on this issue.
“The public needs to be convinced that those who are entrusted to uphold the law are not involved in criminal activities,” he added. – October 8, 2024