On high alert: Mohd Khalid showing a photo of the wanted suspects in Ops Jack Sparrow during a press conference at Menara Bukit Aman. — Bernama
Bukit Aman links fentanyl seizures to network, cops ramp up crackdown
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman believes the smuggling of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs into the country is linked to an international network capable of distributing the substances locally and exporting them abroad.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said investigations revealed that the drug syndicates operated across borders, with the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) continuing to mount operations to dismantle them.
“These drugs are tied to an international network. There may be groups involved in distributing them locally or exporting them overseas.
“The NCID will continue taking action,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman yesterday.
The IGP said police had earlier crippled several clandestine drug labs through special operations.
He was responding to questions on several fentanyl seizures in Selangor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan last month, which raised concerns about the rising trend of synthetic opioid smuggling.
On Tuesday, NCID director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that police had crippled fentanyl smuggling and distribution syndicates in three states through separate operations, with seizures exceeding one tonne.
Meanwhile, Mohd Khalid said two notorious organised crime groups were crippled with the arrest of 17 gang members.
The suspects were nabbed in a massive operation in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang and Perak on Sept 11 codenamed Ops Jack Sparrow, conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
It is learnt that the gangs referred to their leaders as captain.
Mohd Khalid said the suspects, aged between 19 and 44, are believed to be involved in violent crime such as murder, assault with deadly weapons, gang robbery and arson.
“Both groups have been active since 2023 and have 33 members in total.”
Action against both groups was taken following an incident where a man in Taman Sentosa, Klang, was attacked with firearms and machetes earlier this year, he said.
“The video of the incident went viral on social media and caused distress and fear to the public.
“The motive behind the attack was a turf war and infighting among gang members,” he said, adding that all suspects were detained under Sosma 2012.
“Both gangs are believed to be responsible for at least 80 criminal incidents in the Klang Valley and other states.
“We are still hunting down at least six other gang members.”
The CID will also scrutinise money flow of both groups to uncover funds, profits and assets derived from illegal activities.
Both groups targeted not only members of rival gangs but also the public.
“We are investigating the possibility of the gangs involved in weapons smuggling. The CID will work with other relevant agencies, especially along the borders.”
The IGP said investigations were also being done on whether the two groups were involved in other shootings in the Klang Valley. He said the police will take stern action against individuals or groups that threaten the well-being and security of the people.
“We will not compromise in taking action against those who disrupt public order and security.
“They will face the full brunt of the law,” he added.
