Police nab 63 more suspected for smuggling illegals

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the arrests were following the detentions of 371 migrant smuggling syndicate members in Op Benteng on June 4 to 7.

"The latest arrests include 59 men and four women, between the ages of 22 and 70, comprising locals, Indonesians, Filipinos and Myanmars.

"Subsequently, 23 investigation papers were opened following the arrest of all the suspects," he told a press conference in Bukit Aman today.

He said those detained would be investigated under Section 130V (1) of the Penal Code for being members of an organised crime group and under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) which would not allow any bail.

Huzir said that, with the latest arrests, the number of migrant smugglers detained from Jan 1 to yesterday stood at 611 people.

"So far, 539 people have been investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Trafficking of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) while 72 others are under organised crime.

"We have also opened 143 investigation papers," he said.

In a similar development, Huzir said 24 police and military officers and personnel were detained until to date to assist investigations under SOSMA for suspected involvement in migrant smuggling syndicates.

Earlier on June 18, Bernama quoted Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay as saying that 18 police and military officers and personnel had been arrested for suspected involvement in the activity.