Drug and scam syndicates busted, goldsmith hit a second time

KUALA LUMPUR: Major drug and scam syndicates, a corruption probe involving fertiliser supplies and a massive immigration crackdown were among the cases that kept enforcement agencies busy nationwide over the past week.

The period between Sept 11 and Sept 18 saw authorities pursuing more suspects linked to a RM2.4 billion drug laboratory, while Malaysians were arrested in Indonesia over an alleged online scam operation.

Closer to home, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into the delayed distribution of fertiliser to padi farmers in Kedah led to the arrest of a supplier company's managing director.

Meanwhile, hundreds of foreigners were detained during a major multi-agency operation in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, while authorities also moved against syndicates involved in fraudulent immigration documents.

Here is a recap of some of the major crime cases over the past week.

RM2.4 BILLION DRUG LAB PROBE CONTINUES

Police continued pursuing several individuals believed to be linked to the massive drug-processing laboratory uncovered at Eco Business Park V in Johor.

Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said police were pursuing between four and five more people believed to be part of the syndicate.

Drugs and equipment valued at about RM2.4 billion were seized from the facility, which police believe had been operating for more than a year.

The mastermind was believed to be a man who was shot dead by police during an anti-drug operation in Seremban.

The investigation also uncovered links between the syndicate and other cases being investigated by police.

30 MALAYSIANS ARRESTED IN INDONESIA OVER SCAM SYNDICATE

Thirty Malaysians were arrested by Indonesian authorities for allegedly operating an online scam syndicate from a hotel in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.

The suspects were believed to have targeted Malaysians.

The arrests again highlighted the cross-border nature of online scam syndicates and the involvement of Malaysians in operations based overseas.

ROBBERS ESCAPE WITH ALMOST RM1 MILLION IN JEWELLERY HEIST

Four masked robbers, armed with hammers and sharp weapons robbed a goldsmith shop in Bakar Arang, Sungai Petani, escaping with jewellery worth between RM700,000 and RM1 million.

Police said the shop, located inside a supermarket, was also robbed in 2024, with losses estimated at RM1 million.

Investigations revealed the suspects arrived on two motorcycles. Two of them entered the shop while the other two waited outside.

They smashed the display cases before scooping up the jewellery.

BAJA 3 SUPPLIER COMPANY MANAGING DIRECTOR ARRESTED

MACC's investigation into the delayed distribution of additional compound fertiliser, known as Baja 3, to padi farmers in Kedah escalated with the arrest of the managing director of a fertiliser supplier.

The man, in his 30s, was arrested after turning up to give his statement at the Kedah MACC office. He was remanded for four days to facilitate investigations under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.

The investigation centres on issues surrounding the supply and distribution of Baja 3 to padi farmers in Kedah.

472 FOREIGNERS DETAINED IN LEBUH PUDU

A massive multi-agency enforcement operation around Lebuh Pudu in Kuala Lumpur saw 472 foreigners detained for suspected immigration offences.

The operation turned chaotic as some foreigners attempted to flee, while several were involved in scuffles with enforcement personnel.

Authorities also uncovered several premises suspected of selling and storing illegal medicines.

Some were believed to have been operating makeshift clinics and were equipped with devices used for health screenings.

FAKE e-PLKS SYNDICATE BUSTED

The Immigration Department crippled a syndicate allegedly involved in producing and supplying fraudulent electronic Temporary Employment Visit Passes (e-PLKS) to foreigners.

Eleven Bangladeshi nationals were detained in the operation.

The syndicate allegedly supplied foreigners with fraudulent documents said to be legitimate employment passes.

Immigration subsequently intensified investigations to trace others believed to be linked to the syndicate.