By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 2: Police have to date seized assets worth RM12.797 million, including RM5.7 million in cash and 57 bank accounts totalling RM1.5 million, in connection with the largest drug trafficking syndicate believed to be operating out of Sibu.
The two suspects — a 52-year-old man, and a 44-year-old woman — who are allegedly behind the massive drug ring, will remain in remand at Sibu Prison until Aug 22, pending a chemical analysis report from the Department of Chemistry Malaysia.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Anak Ata confirmed that the duo were brought before the Sibu Magistrate’s Court today, where they were charged with multiple offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, including two counts of drug trafficking involving over 7kg of methamphetamine.
According to a statement, the man was charged individually for trafficking 1,030.8 grammes (1.03kg) of methamphetamine on June 12 at around 10pm along Jalan Pedada.
Both suspects were jointly charged for trafficking an additional 6,055.9 grammes (6.055kg) of methamphetamine, found in the storeroom of a house in Permai Jaya, Sibu, later that same night.
They also face two separate charges of drug possession — for 2,078.9 grammes (2.078kg) of ketamine and 2,022.15 grams (2.022kg) of nimetazepam — which were discovered in the same location.
If convicted, the trafficking charges carry the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment with not less than 12 strokes of the cane, while the possession charges carry up to five years in prison, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nuralisa Natasha Nazrulzam is leading the prosecution, while both accused are represented by lawyer Reena Chong of Messrs Gapor & Co. No plea was recorded during today’s proceeding.
Between June 12 and 30, Sarawak police’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN Sarawak) also seized a wide range of assets linked to the case, including RM5,757,450 in cash; 57 bank accounts amounting to RM1,513,813.44; 25 pieces of jewellery; nine gold bars; three luxury watches, three vehicles; and six branded luxury handbags.
Mancha reminded the public that drug trafficking not only breaks the law but destroys the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
He stressed that the police remain committed to fighting drugs as the country’s number one enemy and called on the public to assist by reporting any related activities to the JSJN hotline at 012-2087222. — DayakDaily
