43 held over illegal drag racing
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI
JOHOR BARU: Police have put the brakes on illegal drag racing in Gelang Patah with the arrest of 43 suspects, including seven race drivers, and the seizure of 25 modified cars.
Johor Baru (North) OCPD Asst Comm Ruslan Hassan said a team of 43 policemen stormed the illegal racing circuit near the Second Link while a race was on at about 2am.
He said all those detained were in their 20s and three were women. Among the type of vehicles seized were Proton Satria, Proton Waja and Nissan Sentra.
“They are all locals,” he said, adding that the suspects were also made to undergo urine tests. All tested negative for drugs.
ACP Ruslan said only seven of the 25 cars impounded were involved in illegal racing.
The other vehicles are being held for other offences like illegal modification.
“We are sending a message that this city is not a haven for illegal racing,” he said.
ACP Ruslan said the cars would be sent to Puspakom for inspection on Wednesday.
Asked on whether illegal racing near the Second Link would cease now, ACP Ruslan said he expected things to quieten down for the next few weeks.
“We will be monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
He urged those with information on illegal racing and other crimes to contact the police hotline at 07-2212999 or the nearest police station.