POLICE arrested five men believed to be involved in the processing and selling of ketum water in a raid at a house in Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas, Penang, yesterday.

According to a statement by the southwest district police headquarters, the five – aged 29 to 37 – were arrested and 200 packets of processed ketum water and two black plastic bags containing ketum leaves weighing 10kg were seized.

“Police also confiscated various equipment for processing and packaging ketum water that is believed to be sold around Sungai Ara and Bayan Lepas. Each bottle of ketum water is priced at RM5.

“During the raid, the police also found ketum trees planted near the house and we took immediate action by cutting them down,” read the statement.

It said the five self-employed men have now been remanded for four days to assist in the investigations in accordance with section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952. – Bernama, July 24 2022.