Well, in a twist of events, that’s exactly where police recently uncovered a lock-up drug distribution ring in our own backyard.
According to the New Straits Times, nine policemen were arrested for allegedly distributing drugs at the district police headquarters lock-up in Johor.
From Lock-Up to Secret Drug Den?
"The case was uncovered on Nov 22 when police conducted urine tests on 16 detainees from the Ulu Choh prison. Five tested positive,” Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said.
A 23-year-old woman who is the daughter of one of the detainees at the lock-up was also arrested in connection with supplying the drugs.
"Subsequently, we held a check at the lock-up on 29 November and found 38.65g of syabu and 42.25g of heroin worth about RM6,000.”
Police then conducted urine tests on 129 detainees and 22 of them were found positive for drugs.
"After further investigation, we arrested nine police personnel comprising eight men and one woman aged between 20 and 36.
"All of them, with various ranks from constable to corporal, were posted as guards at the lock-up."
Out of the nine, two policemen and the 23-year-old women were tested positive.
One of the policemen also had a previous criminal record for gang robbery in 2012.
Modus Operandi
Ayob Khan added that the 23-year-old woman would bring the drugs to the lock-up which will then be distributed by the policemen.
"This has been happening since early November. The police personnel were paid between RM50 and RM1,500 each time they smuggle in the drugs," said Ayob Khan.
The case was being investigated under Section 39B, Section 39A(1), Section 6 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The Kota Tinggi police chief, the district Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief and the Kota Tinggi police station officer in charge are also currently investigated for this case.
"They should be accountable for what is happening. How can the police chief let this happen right under his nose when the lock-up and the district police headquarters are located at the same place?" said Ayob Khan.