A former policeman was arrested while trying to escape with 10 kilogrammes of ketum leaves in Jalan Batu Berendam here Wednesday night.

Melaka Tengah police chief ACP Shaikh Abdul Adzis Shaikh Abdullah said the 35-year-old man who drove a taxi owned by his friend was detained after being pursued by the police for three kilometres at 10.30 pm.

"He was driving the taxi with another friend and tried to escape a road block, but the police gave chase to their speeding car until they reached a dead end in Taman Sutera Belia here.

"His friend managed to escape on foot and upon inspection, we found ketum leaves in the taxi," he told reporters here Thursday.

Shaikh Abdul Adzis said initial investigations revealed that the suspect borrowed the taxi from a friend in Kuantan, Pahang, before making a journey to Ipoh to collect the supply of ketum leaves to be distributed in this state.

He said the man, who is now a fruit seller, was also tested positive for methamphetamine and had four previous convictions for obstructing a public officer and drugs related offences.

The case is being investigated under Section 30 (3) of the Poisons Act 1952 and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. -- BERNAMA