Geng Upik leader, accomplice jailed for organised crime, drug links
KOTA KINABALU: Two individuals, including the leader of 'Geng Upik', were sentenced to prison by the High Court here today.
Datuk Maslan Sani, 42, who was identified as the leader, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to being a member of the organised crime group between 2015 and 2023.
Nelson Yen Yee Chung, 47, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to an alternative charge of aiding the organised crime group.
Both accused entered their pleas before Judge Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng.
Maslan was charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Meanwhile, the alternative charge against Nelson was framed under Section 130W of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, Maslan was arrested at 2.30am on Dec 25, 2023, at an entertainment outlet in Penampang on suspicion of involvement in the organised crime group.
Investigations showed the accused played the role of group leader and was involved in drug trafficking activities alongside other members to gain material benefits.
The investigation also revealed that the organised crime group 'Geng Upik' was involved in drug trafficking activities connected to several serious offences, including three cases in Tawau and one in Manggatal.
In Tawau, authorities seized 53kg of syabu linked to 'Geng Upik'. The investigation also led to the arrest of an individual who assisted the group, namely Syafilah Pawawoi, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for drug offences.
Another individual who also allegedly assisted 'Geng Upik' is currently on trial at the Tawau High Court under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
In Manggatal, the group was linked to the seizure of 4.6kg of syabu.
In Nelson's case, he was arrested on Dec 25, 2023 in Inanam. The investigation found, among other things, that the accused had assisted the organised crime group by attending meetings and helping to manage its business and financial affairs.
Both accused, through their respective lawyers, asked for a lenient sentence.
Lawyer Hamid Ismail, representing Maslan, said that the accused is a divorcee with nine children, aged between three and 18, to support.
He also informed the court that the accused was a first-time offender and expressed remorse for his actions.
Lawyers Datuk Ram Singh and Prem Elmer Ganasan, representing Nelson, informed the court that this was his (Nelson's) first offence and that he regretted his actions.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutors Datuk Nazran Mohd Sham, Lina Hanini Ismail, Siti Hajar Mat Radzi, and Nur Ainaa Ridzwan.
Meanwhile, the trial of three other individuals – Zulkahar Dusing, 38, Rahman Burijin, 44, and Jaisalfian Jaineh @ Zaini, 45 – who are facing charges of being members of 'Geng Upik', is set to take place from July 15 to July 18.
In total, 15 individuals have been charged in connection with the 'Geng Upik' case. However, previously, 10 individuals had pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of aiding an organised crime group and were sentenced to three years' imprisonment each.
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