SARATOK: Police picked up three individuals, including a scrap dealer couple, in connection with the theft of copper wires from three Sarawak Energy substations in Saratok late last year.
Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie said the suspects, a 36-year-old labourer, a 40-year-old businessman and his 38-year-old wife, were arrested at the Betong police station compound yesterday (Jul 30).
“The arrests were made by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department following intelligence gathered during investigations into the case,” he said.
Mathew said investigations revealed the copper wires were stolen from substations at Taman Krian Jaya, Simpang Saratok and Simpang Awik on Dec 22 last year.
He said the first suspect admitted to acting alone by cutting the copper wires with pliers before transporting the stolen items on a motorcycle.
“The suspect later sold the stolen copper wires to the husband and wife, who operate a scrap business in Jakar, Sarikei, for RM120,” he said.
Mathew said the first suspect also admitted committing the theft to obtain money to buy drugs, while a urine screening returned positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
He added that the other two suspects tested negative for drugs.
The case is being investigated under Sections 431A and 379 of the Penal Code, and all three suspects will be remanded today.
