Augustine Paul FCJ:

The dominant issue for determination in this case is the extent to which, if any, a valid detention order made against a person under s. 6(1) of the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 ("the Act") can be vitiated by irregularities in his arrest and detention under s. 3 of the Act. All references in this judgment to sections shall be to sections of the Act.

Briefly stated the facts of the case in relation to the principal ground of appeal of the appellant are that he was arrested by Constable Fauzi bin Khalid on 13 April 2004 at 3.45 pm for the purpose of investigation under s. 3(1). He was detained at the Tun HS Lee Police Station lockup for further investigations. On 15 April 2004 at 3pm Assistant Superintendent of Police Jaafar bin Hj Mat authorised the further detention of the appellant under s. 3(2)(b). The material part of his authorisation reads as follows:

MAKA DENGAN DEMIKIAN, pada menjalankan kuasa-kuasa yang diberi oleh Seksyen 3(2)(b) Akta Dadah Berbahaya (Langkah-Langkah Pencegahan Khas) 1985, saya dengan ini memberi kebenaran untuk melanjutkan tempoh penahanan orang yang dinyatakan di atas bagi jangkamasa tambahan melebih