GEORGE TOWN: Police have confirmed that the blood and urine of the two Nepalese security guards, who were hospitalised after consuming the instant durian coffee, contain drugs.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar said that the test report of both were obtained from the Chemistry Department yesterday, confirming the contamination.
"According to the test report, it is confirmed that drugs were found in their blood and urine samples. It is a kind of drug which is common in the market but rarely consumed by drug addicts.
"Initial investigations found that the drug will result in the victims suffering from weakness and lethargy. We are still awaiting for results from the department for the other victims," he said.
Since Jan 27, a total of seven victims were admitted to the Penang Hospital after drinking the same brand of instant coffee.
Police investigations found that the instant coffee powder, which was distributed for free, were opened and resealed after being mixed with a foreign substance.
Meanwhile, police are analysing the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify the woman who is believed to have distributed the instant coffee for free in the Jelutong area last Tuesday.
State police chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan said that until today, there had been no further development on the identity of the woman, in her 40s, including other details pertaining to the source of the coffee.
He said that investigations was ongoing, including getting verification if the instant coffee had been thrown into the rubbish bin or otherwise.
"Cooperation and assistance from the public are highly appreciated to assist with investigations," he said.
So far, police have received five reports between Jan 30 and Feb 3 on cases of victims rushed to hospital after drinking the same brand of coffee of two different flavours.
The case is being investigated under Section 272 of the Penal Code for adulteration of food or drink which is intended for sale.