PETALING JAYA: Eleven members of the largest drug syndicate in Sabah, including its alleged ringleader who has a “Datuk” title, are expected to be prosecuted in Kota Kinabalu soon.
Bukit Aman’s narcotics crime investigation department (intelligence and operations) deputy director Zainudin Ahmad said the Attorney-General’s Chambers had given the green light to prosecute the suspects.
He said investigations into the syndicate, which evolved from contraband activities to become the largest drug network extending to the Philippines and Indonesia, had been concluded.
“We have sufficient grounds to bring the case to court and permission to prosecute has been granted,” he said after an anti-drugs workshop in Labuan today, Bernama reported.
“The upcoming court proceedings mark a significant milestone in the fight against drug-related crimes in the region,” he said.
Zainudin said all assets belonging to the identified syndicate members linked to drug-related activities had been confiscated.
It was previously reported that more than RM7 million worth of assets were seized from the drug syndicate under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Among them were 22 bank accounts containing RM420,000, 18 luxury vehicles worth RM6.6 million, jewellery and watches worth RM100,000 and RM35,000 in cash.
Police believe the syndicate head, who was also an NGO patron, had been running the trafficking ring out of Sabah for more than eight years.
Zainudin said some districts in Sabah, such as Tawau and Semporna, had been identified as hotspots for drug activities due to their proximity to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).
The situation in Labuan is still under control, he added.
He said previous drug syndicates in Sabah used to source supplies from the Philippines. However, due to increased enforcement measures in the Philippines, drug supplies from Sabah are now being trafficked to the neighbouring country. - FMT
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