JOHOR BARU: A 43-year-old police sergeant pleaded not guilty at a Magistrate's Court here on Wednesday (Aug 25) to a charge of administering drugs into his body.

       The accused, Frankie Rimong, made the plea after the charge was read to him in front of Magistrate R. Salini.

       According to the charge sheet, the accused had consumed ketamine at 10.55am on Aug 6.

       The act was allegedly committed at the Johor Baru South Police District Headquarters, Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) office.

       The act is an offence under Section 15(1)(A) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for taking drugs, which provides for up to two years in jail or a fine of not more than RM5,000.

       The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Chan Choon Yiew while the accused was represented by Chuah Shyue Chien.

       Chan requested bail of RM8,000 with one surety.

       In mitigation, Chuah said the accused is currently taking care of his wife and four children, and asked for lower bail.

       The court then set bail at RM2,000 with one surety and set Oct 5 for next mention of the case.

       The accused posted bail.

       Earlier, Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay was reported as saying that six civil servants were among 68 people arrested in a special operation at an unlicensed entertainment centre in Johor Baru at about 1.30am on Aug 6.

       He added that three of the six suspects had been charged at a Magistrate's Court here on Aug 15.

       However, the trio, aged between 29 and 31 years, pleaded not guilty after being charged under Section 15(1)(A) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.