GEORGE TOWN: Police are hunting down a man who escaped custody while in court here yesterday.
In the 5.20pm incident, Khairul Nizam Abdullah Sani, 33, escaped while he was being escorted along with 29 handcuffed detainees from the court premises to a Black Maria (police van for transporting prisoners).
Another man, 37, attempted escape, but was immediately detained; while Khairul managed to flee.
"Upon investigation, it was found that (Khairul) used duplicate keys to unlock his handcuffs and escape.
"We urge members of the public to be our ‘eyes and ears’ to supply any helpful information to help nab the suspect," said Northeast District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar.
He said that Khairul had been under arrest for a drug-related offense.
The duplicate key was found in a drain at the court, which police believe was used by Khairul to sneak out of the premises.