KUALA LUMPUR: Police have crippled a migrant smuggling syndicate with the arrest of seven local men believed to be "tekong darat" (ground handlers) and transporters, together with 28 Indonesian illegal immigrants, in a raid at Kampung Sungai Air Tawar, Sabak Bernam.
Central Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) commander Senior Asst Comm Hakemal Hawari said the 5am raid on June 10 was carried out by the Central Brigade Task Force following intelligence gathered under Op Taring Nyah 1 in Selangor and Johor.
“A total of 35 individuals were detained comprising seven local men believed to be 'tekong darat' and transporters, as well as 28 Indonesians who are illegal immigrants.
“Of those detained, 24 were adult men and four were adult women aged between 20 and 50 years old,” he said in a press conference on Monday (June 15).
He added that police also seized six cars, a motorcycle and seven mobile phones believed to have been used in the smuggling activities.
“The total value of the seizures is estimated at RM360,000,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
