The Malay Mail learnt that the last time city police made a cocaine seizure was in 2002. They found 40 capsules containing the drug in the stomach of a Nigerian national. The Nigerian reportedly collapsed in Jalan Ampang and was taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital where he died. A post mortem uncovered the drugs, which were packed in capsules, in his stomach.

Police are now trying to ascertain if this latest seizure, weighing about 20 grammes, was meant for distribution among fellow African nationals here or whether it has made its way into the local dadah market. City narcotics department chief Assistant Commissioner Othman Harun described this latest development as worrying.

“So far, the use of cocaine in the country is not too apparent. It is an exclusive drug. It is expensive and is popular in Western countries,” Othman said. “We want to ascertain if there is a network here run by the suspects and their accomplices.” The arrest of the two makes it four African nationals detained so far this year by city police for their involvement in the dadah trade. They have been remanded for a week to facilitate investigations. Both are being investigated under Section 12 of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952 for possession.

Checks revealed that the duo, who have valid travel documents, entered the country through Thailand two weeks ago. Othman said the first arrest was made at 9pm at a condominium in Jalan Kuchai Lama. The police team arrested the 26-year-old man and found 15 packets in his possession. The team also seized several fake watches from the suspect. Two hours later, police stopped the second suspect less than a kilometre away and seized two packets of the white powdery substance from him.

Cocaine farmers throw cocaine leaves as a sign of protest in Chimore, Bolivia, to show that cocaine cultivation still exists on the same day the Bolivian government was holding a ceremony to claim victory in its campaign to rid the nation of drug-growing plantations.