S'wak police cripple major syndicate, seize over RM8.5 million in drugs and assets
He said the raids, carried out by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (NCID) of the Sibu District Police Headquarters, targeted a business premises in Pusat Pedada and two terrace houses in Lorong Permai Jaya.
'We seized 7,086.7 grams of methamphetamine, 2,078.9 grams of ketamine, and 2,022.6 grams of Erimin 5 pills, with a total estimated street value of RM532,934.40,' he said at a press conference, describing the operation as a major success in the fight against drug trafficking in the state.
A 52-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were arrested in the operation.
Police also seized assets worth RM7,997,450, marking the largest asset seizure in Sarawak to date, confiscating RM5,157,450 in cash, four gold bars, two gold chains, three Rolex watches, as well as a Lexus RX350F Sport, a Lexus ES250 and a Toyota Vios vehicle.
'This brings the total value of seized drugs and assets to RM8,530,384.40,' said Mancha.
Initial investigations found both suspects were key figures in the syndicate, which has been active since 2015, believed to have sourced drugs from Peninsular Malaysia via courier services for trafficking across Sibu.
Both suspects tested negative for drugs and neither has a prior criminal record. They have been remanded for seven days from June 13 to 20 to assist in the investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane if not sentenced to death.
Mancha said the NCID is actively tracking down remaining members of the syndicate to dismantle the entire operation.
He urged the public to come forward with any information by contacting the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.
Also present at the press conference were Sarawak NCID chief ACP Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah and Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
44 minutes ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Five senior ATM officers among smugglers arrested by MACC
A SMUGGLING syndicate involving drugs, cigarettes and other contraband allegedly orchestrated by senior Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) officers has been exposed, following the arrest of 10 individuals — including five senior army officers — by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). According to Utusan Malaysia, the arrests — which also included an Indonesian national — were carried out around the Klang Valley since the launch of 'Op Sohor' by MACC's Intelligence Division, with support from the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS). The syndicate, which operated in the south of the country, comprised senior officers from ATM's Intelligence Division, including two former members of the same unit. According to source, the officers were supposed to monitor and curb smuggling activities but are believed to have colluded with the syndicate for the past five years, allegedly collecting more than RM3 million in bribes. Preliminary investigations indicate that the five senior officers — the main suspects — are believed to have leaked military operational information to smugglers and worked with them to bring prohibited items such as drugs, cigarettes and other contraband from neighbouring countries into Malaysia. 'All these items amounted to an estimated value of about RM5 million per month. 'The suspects are believed to have received bribes of around RM30,000 to RM50,000 for each smuggling trip,' the source revealed. In raids conducted early this morning based on about 12 months of intelligence gathering, authorities seized over RM63,000 in cash, several packets of drugs, weighing and measuring equipment, liquor and imitation firearms from various premises. 'The smuggling network involving these senior military officers is large and complex to uncover,' the source said. During the raid, an Indonesian woman without valid travel documents was also arrested. She was allegedly kept as a mistress by one of the senior army officers under investigation. MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests when contacted. He said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009. 'This operation must be taken seriously by all parties as it involves smuggling activities that can compromise national security. 'Although we have various agencies to monitor and take action, smuggling activities still occur,' he added. All suspects will be brought to the Putrajaya Magistrates' Court tomorrow for a remand application under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code. — TMR
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Armed Forces vow full cooperation in smuggling case
PETALING JAYA: The Armed Forces (MAF) will give its full cooperation to graft investigators following the arrest of several personnel in connection with a smuggling syndicate. The syndicate was reportedly dealing in prohibited goods such as drugs, cigarettes, and other contraband. Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar confirmed the arrests and said that further investigations were ongoing. "We will give our full cooperation and, God willing, the exact number of officers detained will be announced soon. We will not conceal it. Let the matter be investigated thoroughly," he said. This comes after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) dismantled a drug and contraband smuggling syndicate reportedly involving senior armed forces officers in the southern region. The operation, codenamed Ops Sohor, was launched early this morning and led to the arrest of five senior military officers and five civilians. According to sources, the suspects are aged between 30 and 55, and were arrested around the Klang Valley. They include an Indonesian national. The operation began at 6.30am today. The MACC Intelligence Division carried out the operation with assistance from the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS). The sources added that the syndicate is believed to have been capable of moving goods worth RM5 million each month. The senior officers were from the Armed Forces intelligence division, including two former personnel from the same unit. They were tasked with monitoring and curbing smuggling activities but are believed to have colluded with the syndicate for the past five years, allegedly amassing more than RM3 million in bribes.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Security guard fined RM5k for insulting Prophet Muhammad SAW on Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR: A security guard was fined RM5,000 by the Sessions Court here today for making and initiating a Facebook post insulting Prophet Muhammad SAW four months ago. Judge Norma Ismail imposed the sentence on M Ramesh, 57, after he pleaded guilty to the charge. She also ordered five months' imprisonment in default of payment. He settled the fine. Ramesh was charged with knowingly creating and initiating a grossly offensive comment on the Facebook account 'Ramesh Muniandy' with the intent to offend others at 10.20 am on April 11. The post was later viewed at Level 4, Block A, Putrajaya Islamic Complex, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Precinct 3, Putrajaya, at noon on April 15. He was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, and a further fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence persists after conviction. Earlier, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) prosecuting officer Mohamad Farhan Kamarudin urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, stressing the gravity of the offence. 'The comment was clearly capable of provoking anger among Muslims and undermining their dignity. It could be read by anyone, including the youth, and risk negatively influencing public perception and behaviour. 'When such statements are allowed to circulate online and remain accessible to all, they carry the potential to instill false perceptions among the public,' he submitted. Ramesh's lawyer, P Chandra Segaran, pleaded for the lowest possible fine, citing his client's salary of RM1,700 a month and his responsibility to support his wife, three children and an ailing mother. 'The accused acted in the heat of the moment, responding to another party's comment. His understanding of the matter was very limited. He has since apologised to the court and to anyone who read the post. It is his first offence and he is genuinely remorseful. He will not repeat such conduct,' said the lawyer. - Bernama
