Kelantan police are watching drug syndicates and key individuals, with drug seizures dropping 56% to RM28.6 million this year compared to 2023
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan police are closely monitoring drug syndicates operating within the state and have identified several key individuals believed to be involved.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said syndicates under surveillance were previously difficult to apprehend because members did not physically hold drugs and only 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,” he told a press conference after the monthly assembly at the Kota Bharu police contingent headquarters.
Mohd Yusoff explained that arresting suspects has proven challenging due to their cunning nature, requiring technical assistance from Bukit Aman.
He described the syndicates as having many layered networks where some members do not know individuals above them.
“There are transporters, intermediaries and drug couriers who do not know the actual supplier,” he said.
The police chief clarified that Kelantan currently has syndicates but not cartels, as drug supplies entering the state are intended only for Kelantan and Peninsular markets.
His comments follow Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks about a major drug cartel smuggling drugs into Malaysia.
Mohd Yusoff also revealed that drug seizure value has dropped significantly to RM28.6 million this year compared to RM64.8 million during the same period last year.
The decrease of more than 56% places Kelantan third-highest in drug cases and arrests, demonstrating Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department efficiency.
On separate matters, he said demolition of illegal jetties in Rantau Panjang should finish by year-end despite technical and allocation issues.
Regarding Northeast Monsoon preparations, police have received 10 new boat engines and personnel leave has not been frozen for now. – Bernama
