A 29-year-old local man was arrested after allegedly driving recklessly and dangerously, crashing into several vehicles in Seberang Jaya on Monday morning.
The incident, which occurred at about 10.05am, involved a Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck believed to have been driven aggressively from Sungai Dua towards Penang, causing a series of collisions along the route and putting other road users at risk.
Seberang Perai Tengah District Police Chief ACP Nik Aminuddin Raja Abdullah said police were alerted to the incident before officers were dispatched to the scene. The suspect was eventually stopped by members of the public along the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) near a petrol station in Seberang Jaya and handed over to authorities.
Investigations revealed that the driver had allegedly driven in a highly dangerous manner, with videos circulating on social media showing the vehicle mounted on a road divider and even reversing along a busy roadway, forcing motorcyclists and motorists to take evasive action.
A subsequent search of the suspect uncovered a sling bag containing two packets of substances believed to be methamphetamine and ketamine. The suspected drugs weighed approximately 0.75 grams and 2.38 grams respectively.
Police also confirmed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and morphine. Further background checks found he had 15 previous drug-related offences and two criminal records.
The suspect has been detained and the drug investigation is being carried out under Section 12(3) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. He is expected to be brought before the Bukit Mertajam Magistrates’ Court for a remand application.
Meanwhile, traffic police are investigating the collisions under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence of drugs resulting in a road accident.
Authorities are currently tracking down affected motorists and independent witnesses to assist with the investigation. Police have also expressed appreciation to members of the public whose swift action helped prevent further danger on the road.
