JELI: A Perodua Myvi driver, believed to be attempting to smuggle ketum juice, was killed in a crash near Kampung Gemang, here, today.
The 22-year-old man, in the 5.45am incident, was trying to escape a police pursuit when he suddenly lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a tree and a stall at the village.
Jeli police chief Deputy Superintendent Ahmad Arifin said the man died on the spot due to serious head and body injuries.
“Just before the crash, the deceased, who was driving, and a friend, aged 35, were said to have crossed path with police patrolmen in Kampung Salor, Batu Melintang which prompted them to sped off.
“However, upon reaching the crash scene, the driver lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a tree and a stall next to it,” he said today.
The victim's friend, he added, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Jeli Hospital for treatment.
Ahmad said police found 1,150 bags of ketum juice, weighing 250kg, hidden under the rear passenger seat and boot.
"Initial investigation revealed that the duo, from Pasir Mas, had obtained the ketum leaves from a northern state.
"We believe the leaces were meant to be distribution around the east coast states especially Kelantan," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1)(A) of the Road Transport Act 1987 dan Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952.
Ahmad said this was the second ketum leaves-related crash recorded in Kelantan this year.
Last month, a 27-year-old mother and her two children, aged 5 and 4, were killed when their motorcycle was knocked by a car laden with ketum leaves in Kampung Nibong.