Eleven members of Sabah’s largest drug syndicate, including its leader who is reportedly a ‘Datuk’ arrived at the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex this morning.
All the accused, including the 40-year-old Datuk were transported in a police truck and entered the court premises at 8.20am.
A contingent of police officers from various units, including Bukit Aman, ensured security outside and inside the court.
Two roadblocks by the police force were strategically set up near the court entrance, commencing at approximately 6am and the trial is being conducted at Sessions Court 3.
The prosecution of all the accused is being pursued under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
Previously, it was reported that police had smashed Sabah’s biggest drug ring with the arrest of a Datuk, who is also the patron of a non-governmental (NGO) organisation.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate which has been active since 2015 is the biggest drug syndicate in Sabah and has an international and local distribution network.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the ‘Datuk’ was among the 10 syndicate members arrested in a special operation between the Bukit Aman Narcotics Department and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).
He said that since the arrest of the syndicate leader and its members on Dec 25 last year, the police had seized various assets, including 22 bank accounts with a frozen balance of RM420,000, 18 luxury vehicles valued at RM6.6 million, jewellery and watches worth approximately RM100,000 and cash amounting to RM35,000. – NST