ALOR STAR: The body of a man, who reportedly jumped into Sungai Kedah here to avoid being arrested by police about 1pm, was over two hours later.
State Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon said the body of the 45-year-old victim was found at 3.34pm today following a search and rescue operation.
"Preliminary information received by the Operations Centre at 1.07pm found two male victims facing difficulties in the river, but one of the victims was rescued.
"Meanwhile, the other victim was found drowned about 44m from the banks of the river in 1m-deep water at 3.34pm," he said in a statement here today.
He said his team used a rescue boat and special equipment for search and rescue purposes.
"The body was handed over to police for further action," he said.
Meanwhile, Kota Setar police chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Shukri Mat Akhir said the victim who drowned is believed to be one of three suspected drug dealers who tried to escape by jumping into the river to avoid arrest. — BERNAMA