Foreigner caught with RM74,000 worth of syabu in Tawau drug smuggling attempt
The 22-year-old suspect, originally from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, was apprehended by a team from the Tawau district police headquarters after he was seen behaving suspiciously along Jalan Pelabuhan at around 9.30am.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Jasmin Hussin said the arrest was made following intelligence and surveillance that led to the suspect's detection.
He is believed to have entered the district illegally via an uncharted route on July 21.
"A check on his backpack revealed two gold-coloured plastic packets labelled 'Guanyinwang' and 'Freeso Dried Durian'," he said.
"Inside were two transparent packets containing crystalline substances believed to be syabu, weighing a total of 2,062 grams and valued at approximately RM74,500.
"Interrogation revealed that the undocumented suspect had entered the district illegally for the first time and admitted to being paid by the syndicate to smuggle the drugs out of the country," he said at a press conference today.
Jasmin added that the suspect has been remanded for seven days until Aug 2 to assist investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.
"Police are also actively tracking down others linked to the syndicate," he added.
So far this year, Tawau police have seized more than 30 kilogrammes of syabu in a series of arrests involving individuals and drug trafficking syndicates.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
11 killed as vehicle plunges into canal in Uttar Pradesh
LUCKNOW: At least 11 Hindu devotees were killed and four injured when their vehicle plunged into a canal in Uttar Pradesh. The victims were traveling to the Prithvinath temple in Gonda district, approximately 135 kilometres from Lucknow. The vehicle carried 15 members from three families. According to local officials, the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to fall into the Saryu canal. Rescue operations were immediately launched, but the strong currents complicated efforts. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial aid of 500,000 rupees (around RM24,500) for each deceased victim's family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also pledged 200,000 rupees per family from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for improved road safety measures near water bodies in the region. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident. - Bernama
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Five foreigners nabbed for allegedly robbing 'hypnotised' tourists in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Police have arrested five Middle Eastern nationals in its investigation into the theft of money from several foreign tourists who were allegedly hypnotised (pukau) in the city centre here. Penang acting police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said three men and two women, including a married couple, all aged from 19 to 35, were detained at the Gurney Plaza area under Ops Tourist. "Between July 30 and Aug 1, we received three reports of cash thefts involving tourists from Taiwan, the Netherlands and Syria, aged from 29 to 52, in the Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang areas. "A team from the Timur Laut criminal investigation division as well as the Pulau Tikus and Central police stations conducted an operation and detained the five Middle Eastern suspects," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 3). He added that police also seized multiple foreign currencies, two vehicles, and a packet of ganja. Mohd Alwi said preliminary urine tests revealed that two of the suspects tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). He said the group's modus operandi was to approach foreign tourists for a conversation before asking them to reveal the cash in their possession. "The suspects will then take the money and leave the scene. It is reported that victims only realise their money is gone after the suspects leave," he said. He said all the suspects have been remanded for four days until Aug 6 and the case is being investigated under sections 379 and 380 of the Penal Code and sections 6 and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Alwi said they are committed to ensuring the safety of locals and tourists, and advised the public to be vigilant when dealing with unknown individuals, as well as to safeguard their valuables at all times. He added that anyone with information can contact the Penang criminal investigation department operations room at 04-222 1624 or the nearest police station. – Bernama
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Five foreigners arrested for tourist thefts in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Police yesterday arrested five Middle Eastern nationals in connection with thefts targeting foreign tourists in Penang. The suspects, comprising three men and two women aged between 19 and 35, were detained in the Gurney Plaza area under Op Tourist. Penang acting police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin stated that three police reports were filed between July 30 and August 1 involving tourists from Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Syria. The victims, aged 29 to 52, reported cash thefts in the Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang areas. 'Acting on information, a team from the Timur Laut District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division, Pulau Tikus Police Station, and the Central Police Station conducted an operation and detained the five suspects,' Mohd Alwi said. Police also seized foreign currencies, two vehicles, and a packet of ganja. Preliminary urine tests revealed that two suspects tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The group allegedly targeted tourists by engaging them in conversation before asking them to reveal their cash. 'The suspects discreetly took the money and left the scene. Victims only realised their money was missing afterward,' Mohd Alwi explained. All suspects have been remanded for four days until August 6. The case is being investigated under sections 379 and 380 of the Penal Code for theft and sections 6 and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Mohd Alwi urged the public to remain vigilant when dealing with strangers and safeguard their valuables. Those with information can contact the Penang Criminal Investigation Department Operations Room at 04-222 1624 or the nearest police station. - Bernama
