Cops nab 5, rescue 28 from alleged human trafficking ring

NIBONG TEBAL: Police arrested five Myanmar men, believed to be members of a human trafficking syndicate, and rescued 28 of their countrymen in a raid on a shophouse in Sungai Bakap, here, Monday.

South Seberang Perai (SPS) police chief Supt Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said in the 6pm raid, police detained 33 Myanmar nationals including a four-year-old boy.

"The raid, with the cooperation of the state police contingent and Bukit Aman, was made following a police report by a Myanmar national who claimed his sister, brother-in-law and their son, aged four, were being detained by the syndicate.

"The syndicate had demanded money from the 27-year-old man if he wanted to see his three relatives freed. Worried about their safety, he lodged a police report," Wan Hassan said when contacted by Bernama, here, Tuesday.

He said during the raid, five men, who were believed to be members of the syndicate, aged 26 to 48, were at the premises to guard the other Myanmar nationals. - Bernama