PETALING JAYA: Investigations into the tanker vessel found to be carrying over a tonne of drugs led to the arrest of two men, including the original ship owner.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said that following the detention of tanker MT Global 168 by Indonesian police on Oct 20, Malaysian police investigations there led to the arrest of two men in their 40s here.
The arrests on Sunday (Oct 25) involved the director of the company that originally owned the vessel, as well as the agent involved in its sale.
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"Preliminary investigations found that the vessel was purchased in April for the purpose of refurbishing and reselling it for a profit," he said here on Tuesday (Oct 27).
"On June 28,, MT Global 168 was sold through an agent or broker to a company based in Yangon, Myanmar.
"Both detainees have been remanded for seven days until Nov 1 to assist with investigations.
"Investigations have also identified three other individuals, believed to be citizens of Singapore, Taiwan and Myanmar, who are wanted to assist with the investigation."
He added that investigations are still underway to identify leads and involved parties.
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"The NCID will continue to cooperate with Indonesian authorities and relevant enforcement agencies, particularly in sharing intelligence, identifying individuals suspected of involvement and carrying out follow-up action within their respective jurisdictions.
"We remain committed to combating drugs to protect present and future generations. Drugs are the nation's number one enemy," he said.
Previously, Indonesian authorities said they seized 1.16 tonnes of ketamine from a tanker intercepted off North Sumatra province and arrested eight crew members in a joint operation.
