The suspect drove to the palace’s garage where the cars belonging to the Johor Sultan were stored and attempted to steal a Ferrari. — Bernama pic

PETALING JAYA, March 2 — A man high on drugs was arrested after he managed to trespass into Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Bahru and attempted to steal the Johor Sultan’s Ferrari.

A police source told Malay Mail that the suspect aged 31 from Gelang Patah had drove to the official residence of the Sultan yesterday around 12.30pm.

“The suspect entered the palace grounds of Istana Besar through the East Lodge entrance located at Jalan Strait View.

“There were two Johor Military Force personnel at the sentry post, however the suspect managed to drive straight in.

“It is not clear why the two personnel did not stop and check the suspect,” the source said today.

The suspect then drove to the palace’s garage where the cars belonging to Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar were stored.

“At that time there were no personnel guarding the garage as it was lunch time.

“The suspect approached a parked blue Ferrari and attempted to steal it. At the same time one of the police personnel on duty at the palace saw the suspect via CCTV and went to the garage to confront the suspect.”

The source said the suspect, upon seeing the policeman, immediately rushed to his car and sped off.

The policeman gave chase but was unable to stop the suspect.

A police report was soon lodged and police managed to track the suspect down to an address in Kampung Melayu, Gelang Patah.

“A team of police officers raided the suspect’s house and took him into custody.

“A urine test was conducted on the suspect and he tested positive for methamphetamine,” the source said.

A police forensic team was sent to the garage and police obtained fingerprint samples.

Investigations later showed the car used by the suspect belonged to his brother in law.

The source said the suspect had no previous criminal record.