Former diplomat, son arrested over 102 cannabis plants
A former diplomat and his son have been arrested on suspicion of cultivating and owning 102 cannabis plants in their house compound in Janda Baik, Pahang, according to reports.
English-daily The Star reported that the former diplomat was detained during a raid on Saturday at his house, while his 53-year-old son was detained in Shah Alam on Monday.
Bukit Aman Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay confirmed the arrests.
"We seized ganja trees and other items. The NCID is investigating how the suspects managed to obtain the supply to plant the ganja trees.
"We are also investigating the roles played by both men in this matter," he was quoted as saying.
Learnt from YouTube
Separately, Harian Metro quoted Pahang police chief Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf saying the 78-year-old former diplomat had learnt techniques to plant and process cannabis via YouTube videos, while the seeds were obtained from compressed cannabis bought in Kuala Lumpur seven years ago.
Reportedly the biggest bust of its kind, Ramli said the suspect during initial investigations had admitted to planting cannabis since 2015 on a two-hectare plot of land in Janda Baik, guarded by eight dogs.
"Police found five rows of 60 cannabis plants upon inspection behind the house's garage, and another eight plants under a tent.
"Police also found 34 seedlings, bringing the total to 102 cannabis plants with a total seize value of RM61,200," Ramli reportedly said during a press conference in Bentong district police chief station.
He added police also seized 1.02kg of dried cannabis leaves worth RM2,500, aside from liquid marijuana sold at RM250 per bottle to loyal customers and contacts of the suspect.
"The urine test on the suspect came up negative, although he admitted to mixing several drops of liquid marijuana into his drinks for the past three years.
"His son, on the other hand, tested positive and admitted to using marijuana since 2013," he said.
It was further reported that the suspect is under remand for a week until Saturday while an application to remand his son will be heard today.
Investigations are ongoing under Section 39B, Section 6B and Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
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