KULAI: Police have arrested two suspects linked to a stolen vehicle syndicate operating in the Kulai district and Johor Baru North.
Kulai OCPD Supt Tan Seng Lee said the arrests were made during a coordinated operation last Wednesday (Sept 25).
“The operation began at approximately 5.30pm when a team of officers from the Lejang Team at the Senai Police Station intercepted a suspicious vehicle driven by a 54-year-old local man.
“Upon inspection, it was discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen, and the driver had an outstanding arrest warrant,” he said in a statement here on Sunday (Sept 29).
Supt Tan added that further interrogation of the suspect led police to a second raid in Kangkar Pulai around 8.15pm, during which a 34-year-old male was arrested.
“Police also seized a second vehicle that had been reported stolen.
“Information gathered from both suspects led the police to a third raid in Skudai. It was conducted at 9.30pm on the same day.
“A lorry that had been reported missing was recovered during this operation,” he said.
Supt Tan said that the police believe the arrest could solve at least three cases of stolen vehicles and possibly uncover additional criminal activity linked to the syndicate.
He added that both suspects have previous criminal and drug-related records. Initial urine tests confirmed that the men tested positive for methamphetamine.
The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for vehicle theft, which carries a prison sentence of between one and seven years, as well as a fine, upon conviction.
Both suspects have been remanded for four days, from Sept 26 to 29, to assist with further investigations.
“Authorities are also working to trace the suspects’ accomplices and locate other vehicles reported stolen,” he said, adding that anyone with information related to this case is urged to come forward and assist in the investigation.
