Drug Syndicates On The Radar, Key Individuals Under Watch - Kelantan Police Chief

KOTA BHARU, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Kelantan police are closely monitoring drug syndicates in the state and have identified several key individuals suspected to be involved in the network.

“There are several drug distribution syndicates under our watch. Previously, they were difficult to apprehend because they did not hold any drugs and merely issued directives.

“The individuals under scrutiny and will be investigated include those with new businesses, including unusual ones or businesses that have suddenly become large-scale,” said Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat in a press conference after the monthly assembly at the Kota Bharu police contingent headquarters today.

Mohd Yusoff said attempts to arrest suspects from these syndicates have been challenging as they are very cunning and thus require technical assistance from Bukit Aman.

“Their networks have many layers. Some do not even know the individuals above them. There are transporters, intermediaries and drug couriers who do not know the actual supplier. This structure complicates detection and reaching the syndicate leaders requires navigating many layers.

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POLICE-DRUGS (RADAR) 2 (LAST) KOTA BHARU

“So far in Kelantan, there are only syndicates and it has not reached cartel level, as the supply entering the state is meant only for the Kelantan and Peninsular markets,” he said.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during a breakfast and casual chat session with Sabah media in Kota Kinabalu, brought up the issue of a major cartel smuggling drugs into Malaysia, something he heard about 20 years ago, but there had been no conclusive action taken.

Anwar also raised the matter with the relevant agencies and disclosed that he meets agency heads every week to monitor developments.

Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff said the value of drug seizures this year has dropped significantly to RM28.6 million compared with RM64.8 million during the same period last year.

“The decrease of more than 56 per cent places Kelantan as the third-highest in terms of number of cases and arrests, demonstrating the efficiency of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department as the frontline force in the fight against drugs,” he said.

On a separate matter, he said the demolition of illegal jetties in Rantau Panjang is expected to be completed by year-end despite facing technical and allocation issues.

Regarding preparations for the upcoming Northeast Monsoon (MTL), he said police have received 10 new boat engines and that, for now, personnel’s leave has not been frozen.

-- BERNAMA