REVENGE, JEALOUSY, BUSINESS RIVALRY: Was 22-year-old kidnap-murder victim an UPCOMING DRUG LORD?

KUALA LUMPUR - Revenge, jealousy, business rivalry and territorial rights.

These are among the motives police are working on in the case involving the botched kidnapping cum murder of a 22-year-old businessman in Skudai here about two-weeks ago.

It was learnt that police got their break after the arrest of several male suspects in the past few days who were connected to the death of the businessman.

The young businessman is believed to be linked to an up and coming drug distribution ring that has a large network in the state.

It is understood that the gang has control over most areas in south Johor where they specialise in synthetic drugs such as ecstasy, syabu (crystal methamphetamine) and also psychotropic pills.

Investigators also believe that the business scheme he operated was only a smokescreen to avoid suspicion.

A source, familiar with underworld movements in the city, meanwhile said business rivalry and territorial rights for drugs and vice-activities were rife among gang members.

“The traditional turfs that were once under established gangs are now under threat from newer groups who have deep pockets.

“These groups have the products, in this case drugs, and they understand business fundamentals well enough to create a monopoly through the supply and demand chain,” revealed the source to The Rakyat Post.

The source said the newer gangs were aggressive in their approach and would cut prices of their illicit drugs in an effort to “spoil the market” by flooding the turfs with their products.

“In current times, loyalty in a gang can be bought easily. Those with money are usually in control.”

And the victim’s flashy lifestyle was also surprising, owing to his young age.

As investigations progressed, police managed to piece together his background and those of the suspects connected with his death.

The deceased and his network was said to have been eyeing to take over the Taman Ungku Tun Aminah commercial and residential areas for drug distribution.

Popularly known as Wang Ho in Mandarin, the area has traditionally been home to several established gangs.

Located in the north-side of Johor Baru it was once a notorious gang area. However, with new commercial developments and a vibrant nightlife, the area now has potential for gangs to wield their influence.

It is believed that the 16 suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap-cum-murder case were privy to the deceased plans to take over the area.

It is believed that the suspects, who used Taman Ungku Tun Aminah as their operations base, felt threatened with plans of a take-over that would have affected their drug monopoly in the area.

Among the suspects arrested, three were known to be part of a gun-for-hire gang that were closely linked to the underworld.

Investigations revealed that the three, who are in their 40s, are believed to be responsible for five shooting cases in south Johor, of which four were fatal.

The three are known to be ruthless and at least one of them was a prime suspect in the murder of the deceased.

Post-mortem results showed that the victim was hit with a hard blunt object, but his death was due to a knife being stabbed into his left chest. - Therakyatpost