ISKANDAR PUTERI: Police crippled a migrant smuggling syndicate after arresting nine Indonesian men and one local man in two raids in Tanjung Kupang here.
Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm M. Kumarasan said the first operation was carried out at about 5.30am on Saturday (April 18).
“Police raided a house used as a holding site and detained three Indonesian men, including one believed to be the transporter.
“The other two men, aged between 32 and 47, were found to be undocumented migrants without valid travel documents,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 21).
He added that a follow-up arrest was made about an hour later, involving a local man believed to be guarding the premises.
“Checks showed that he had prior criminal records, while a urine test returned negative for drugs.
“Police also seized several items during the raid, including four mobile phones, a car and RM4,140 in cash,” he noted.
In a separate operation at about 6.45am the same day, police raided a jetty in Tanjung Kupang and arrested six Indonesian men, including two believed to be a boat skipper and a lookout, along with four undocumented migrants aged between 36 and 66.
“Authorities also seized a 17-foot fibre boat, a 40-horsepower engine, a motorcycle, two mobile phones and RM4,200 in cash.
“All migrants have been remanded for 14 days until May 2 under the Immigration Act 1959/63, while four suspects believed to be involved in smuggling activities are being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for 28 days until May 16.
“The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom), which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years or a fine upon conviction, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act for illegal entry,” he added.
