‘Kingpins caught': Sarawak's biggest drug ring smashed, RM8.5m haul recovered
SIBU, June 16 — Police have successfully busted the largest drug trafficking syndicate in Sarawak's history with the arrest of a married couple on June 12 and 13, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata.
He said the suspects were arrested in raids at three separate locations, namely beside a shop in Jalan Pedada and two terrace houses in Lorong Permai Jaya here.
'The couple are suspected of being involved in drug trafficking activities.
'The arrests led to the seizure of a large amount of drugs worth RM532,934 involving 7,000g of syabu and some Eramin 5 pills. This amount of drugs can be used by about 49,702 drug addicts,' he said during a press conference at Wisma Pengaman in Sibu District Police Headquarters here today.
Mancha said that police also seized various assets believed to be proceeds from the syndicate's illegal activities, estimated to be worth RM7.9 million.
'The assets included cash totaling RM5.1 million, four gold bars, two gold necklaces, three Rolex watches, two luxury cars and a saloon car with the total seizure worth of RM8.5 million which is the largest amount ever recorded in Sarawak.
'Among other items that were also seized for investigation purposes include identity cards, house keys, and drug packaging equipment,' he added.
Mancha said initial investigations revealed the couple was the masterminds of a drug trafficking syndicate operating in the Sibu area, believed to have been active since 2015.
He added that the drugs were obtained from Peninsular Malaysia and sent via courier services for distribution in the local market in Sibu.
'Urine test results showed both suspects tested negative for drugs and had no prior criminal records.
'The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a death sentence or life imprisonment and not less than 12 strokes of whipping if not sentenced to death.
'Both suspects have been remanded for seven days from June 13 to 20 to assist in further investigations,' he said.
Mancha said police are now actively pursuing other members of the syndicate to ensure it is fully crippled.
'The Royal Malaysia Police, especially the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), remain committed and determined to combat drug trafficking activities which are the country's main enemy,' he said.
The public is urged to channel any information related to drug abuse or trafficking by contacting the NCID hotline at 012-2087222.
Also present were Sarawak NCID chief ACP Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah and Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili. — The Borneo Post
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Two friends die after car crashes into tree in Klebang
MELAKA, June 22 — Two friends were killed when the car they were travelling in skidded and crashed into a tree on the road divider along Jalan Persisiran Pantai Klebang here early this morning. Melaka Tengah police chief ACP Christopher Patit said the incident occurred at around 6.45am and the victims were identified as the driver of the Proton Wira, Muhammad Nur Zamani Mohd Nazery, 28, and his passenger, Muhammad Haziq, 25. 'Initial investigations found that the car, driven by Muhammad Nur Zamani, was travelling from Melaka town towards Bukit Rambai via Jalan Persisiran Pantai Klebang. Upon reaching the scene, the vehicle is believed to have skidded, struck a road cone, spun out of control, and crashed into a tree on the road divider,' he said in a statement today. 'As a result of the accident, both victims sustained severe injuries to the head, body, and arms, and were pronounced dead at the scene.' He added that the bodies have been sent to Melaka Hospital for post-mortem, while the vehicle has been taken to the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (PUSPAKOM) for further assessment. Meanwhile, Melaka Tengah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) Operations Commander, Senior Fire Officer I Mohd Zahery Mohd Zailani, said they received an emergency call at 6.51am and arrived at the scene nine minutes later. 'Upon arrival, we found the driver trapped inside the vehicle, while his friend had been thrown out of the car,' he said. He added that the situation was brought under control by 7.18am, with eight personnel involved in the rescue operation. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Hamzah's mum-in-law dies in Ipoh house fire
The 9.19pm blaze left a bedroom on the lower floor of the double-storey house 80% destroyed. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The mother-in-law of opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin died in a fire at her home in Ipoh last night. Salmiah Nyakk Matt, 84, died in the 9.19pm blaze while Hamzah's father-in-law, Abdul Ghani Ngah, 83, is receiving medical treatment for breathing difficulties. Salmiah's body was discovered in a bedroom on the lower floor of the double-storey house, which was 80% destroyed by the fire, Kosmo reported. Ghani was in a room upstairs when the fire broke out. Four other family members, between 18 and 49 years of age, escaped unharmed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Hamzah, the Bersatu deputy president, is also the MP for Larut.
Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Police launch probe as reckless Toyota Harrier SUV driver caught fleeing cops in Seberang Perai Selatan
SEBERANG PERAI, June 21 – The police said they have launched an investigation into a viral video showing a high-speed chase involving a patrol vehicle and a Toyota Harrier at the Jalan Paboi–Bukit Tambun junction yesterday morning. The 18-second video, which began circulating on Facebook, captured the SUV being driven recklessly while attempting to flee from the authorities around 11.15am on June 20. 'The incident involved a Toyota Harrier being driven recklessly and endangering other road users while attempting to evade the authorities,' Seberang Perai Selatan district police chief Superintendent Jay January Siowou said in a statement here. 'Dashcam footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media, prompting widespread public reaction.' Police said a report has been lodged, and investigations are ongoing under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant and Section 279 for reckless driving on a public road. He added that the Criminal Investigation Division of the district police headquarters is actively tracking down the suspect.
