By Tan Sin Chow

GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA - A female drug pusher, who stashes straws of heroin inside her panties, is still plying her trade while out on police bail.

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, has been dealing with addicts in the George Town district for the past few months.

The transactions are said to take place in back lanes, where the woman removes straws of heroin from her panties and sells them for RM12 (S$4.90) each.

Police sources said they had arrested the woman twice, the latest being three months ago.

"She was released on police bail pending investigations," said the sources.

When contacted, Penang police chief Deputy Comm Wira Ayub Yaakob said police were investigating the matter.

Ng Wei Aik, the Penang Chief Minister's political secretary, said several used straws believed to have contained heroin were found in a back lane off Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling.

"I hope the police will conduct more patrols in the area," he said.

Earlier, residents called Ng after seven handbags and sling bags were found on the rooftop of the Penang Municipal Council shoplot located near the junction of Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling-Lebuh Chulia.

Resident Cheah Hong Kim, 60, said the bags on the rooftop have been there since Saturday.

She believes snatch thieves had probably emptied the bags before hurling them onto the rooftops.

Ng said he has since lodged a report at the Patani Road police station over the matter.

--The Star/ANN