Cosmetics entrepreneurs, influencers on Terengganu police radar
KOTA BARU: Terengganu police believe cosmetics influencers and product founders in the state are involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said police were looking into this possibility after the recent arrest of a cosmetics brand founder, who was found in possession of 1kg of syabu.
Police also seized about RM1 million worth of assets after the suspect was arrested on April 28.
"Although we have not received any public complaints regarding such activities, our intelligence has identified several individuals suspected of using their businesses as fronts for drug trafficking and money laundering.
"The Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department is conducting further investigations to determine their level of involvement," he told the New Straits Times.
Khairi acknowledged that scrutiny of cosmetics founders and influencers had increased after Kelantan police said it was investigating the link between these entrepreneurs and crime.
"The state police have placed several individuals under surveillance. We suspect that some began as small-scale entrepreneurs before turning to the drug trade as a means to boost their capital.
"They may have taken the opportunity to supplement their income through drug distribution while maintaining a legitimate front by selling beauty products," he said.
He added that initial findings suggest narcotics were sourced from other states or neighbouring countries before they were distributed locally and abroad.
"Smuggling methods include overland, maritime and air routes," he said.
"We are monitoring them closely and will take firm action if there is concrete evidence of criminal involvement," he said.
On May 7, Kelantan police said they had information about influencers and cosmetics founders involved in the drug trade.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, however, said he could not divulge details as investigations were ongoing.
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