NIBONG TEBAL - Frustrated that the police had found their hideout, robbers poisoned 12 Arowana fish that they had stolen. The fishes were worth about RM100,000.

Three suspects, including a pregnant woman, were detained at the house in Permatang Tinggi near Bukit Mertajam at about 7pm on Friday.

South Seberang Prai OCPD Supt Shafien Mamat said the suspects tried to dispose of the fishes which were kept in an aquarium when they realised of the raid.

However, one of the Arowanas survived.

"We have given the fish back to its owner," he told a press conference at the South Seberang Prai district police headquarters yesterday.

Police believe they have solved six-house breaking cases in the district and surrounding areas with the arrest of the three suspects and four others between Friday and yesterday.

Police raided the house and arrested the trio about 30 minutes after they had stopped a car and arrested a man in Permatang Tinggi.

Besides the fishes, police also recovered bridal costumes, musical instruments and a laptop, all of which were reported stolen early last month.

A fifth suspect was picked at another house in the Permatang Tinggi area on Saturday while

the last two suspects were nabbed at Taman Merak in Simpang Ampat near here at about 5am yesterday.

Police also seized three cars, which were believed to have been stolen, from the suspects. -The Star/Asia News Network