SARATOK: Three local men were arrested after allegedly stealing a gas cylinder from a longhouse in Awik, in an attempt to sell it to fund their drug purchases.
The suspects, aged 21, 26 and 28, were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at the same longhouse following a report lodged by the victim.
Police also seized a Yamaha SM Sport motorcycle, the stolen gas cylinder, and a white sack believed to have been used in the incident.
Saratok Police Chief, DSP Mathew Manggie, said the case was reported on August 12 after the victim, a 38-year-old farmer, was informed that the 26-year-old suspect had allegedly stolen the gas cylinder from his unit at the longhouse.
“A witness later spotted the suspect carrying the cylinder behind the longhouse, while another man was waiting nearby on a motorcycle.
“The pair fled after realising they had been seen, leaving the cylinder in bushes along the roadside near Kemidan.
“Acting on information, the CID team arrested the first two suspects at the ruai of the longhouse before apprehending the third suspect at the same location,” he said.
During questioning, the 26-year-old suspect allegedly admitted entering the victim’s unit through the back door, which had been opened by the 21-year-old suspect, before taking the gas cylinder from under the kitchen table.
It was understood that the 21-year-old suspect was the victim’s younger brother, while the motorcycle belonged to the third suspect, who is their relative.
Mathew stated that all three suspects tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Background checks found that two of the suspects have a combined total of four prior records.
He added that the suspects were believed to be regular drug users and had frequently caused problems at the longhouse.
Their initial statements indicated that the gas cylinder was allegedly stolen with the intention of selling it, with the proceeds to be used to purchase drugs.
The case is being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine, and whipping for repeat offenders.
