It’s true that you can’t judge a book by its cover because police recently nabbed a wealthy ‘Datuk’ in Sabah for being the head of a drug syndicate. According to Deputy Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, the police have recently smashed one of the biggest drug rings in Sabah.
The bust happened early Christmas morning and involved personnel from the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom). The operation spanned several locations throughout Sabah, including Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Semporna. Investigations revealed the drug syndicate has been active since 2015 and has an international and local distribution network.
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Authorities also revealed the identity of the syndicate leader, a 40-year-old businessman with a Datukship, who was also the founder of a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The ‘Datuk’ was said to own twelve businesses in various fields, including tourism, construction, petrochemicals and oil and gas. Authorities believed the ‘Datuk’ had been funnelling money from his criminal activities into his many businesses to launder the money. They also said the drug lord became an NGO patron to mask his illegal activities. Police also caught nine other members of the drug ring during the bust, including a 44-year-old enforcement officer who acted as the transporter for the syndicate.
At a special press conference at Bukit Aman, the Deputy IGP said investigations are ongoing and that authorities aim to seize all proceeds from the gang’s illegal activities. He added, “All of them were detained under Section 130V of the Penal Code (organised crime involvement) and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). It is investigated under Sosma to allow police to investigate the crime as a whole.”
Investigations are ongoing but we hope all the suspects will be brought to justice for their crimes.
Sources: The Star, New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today
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