MELAKA: The Melaka police have busted the 'Abang 888' drug syndicate after arresting an Indonesian man and seizing 40 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs believed to be methamphetamine worth RM1.44 million in a raid at a homestay in Pantai Puteri here on Nov 18.
Melaka police chief Datuk Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said the 39 year-old man, who entered the country three years ago to work as a labourer, was detained in a raid by the Melaka contingent police headquarters Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) around 8 pm.
He said the drugs were disguised as packs of tea to avoid police detection and placed in two clothes bags that the suspect brought along during his stay at the homestay.
"We believe the 'Abang 888' syndicate was involved in cross-border and cross-district drug smuggling activities, using Melaka as a transit point before smuggling the drugs out of the country using sea routes.
"When the raid occurred, the suspect was waiting for a transporter, believed to from Indonesia, who would use a boat to smuggle out the drugs," he told reporters at a press conference here today.
He said the suspect tested negative for drugs and has been remanded for seven days from Nov 19 to facilitate investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The police had been monitoring the syndicate's movements for the past three months to identify its network and they were believed to be actively using Melaka as a drug distribution transit point since a month ago.
Abdul Majid also noted that there had been a change in trends by drug smugglers in Melaka as they are now recruiting foreigners as agents or drug mules instead of locals.
Meanwhile, the Melaka police had seized drugs worth RM13.16 million since the start of the year till Nov 20 compared to RM487,283.35 last year, he said.
"The increase in the drug haul in Melaka does not mean that the drug problem in the state has gone unchecked but the simply showed the effectiveness of our drug enforcement activities carried out to eradicate drug abuse," he said.
He added that the approach to curb drug trafficking has changed to focus on movement on the ground and an increase in intelligence work compared to the existing conventional method.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Nov 22 2021
Abdul Majid said the drugs were disguised as packs of tea to avoid police detection and placed in two clothes bags that the suspect brought along during his stay at the homestay. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.