Kelantan police hunt dual-identity woman linked to cross-border drug syndicate

LocalPolitics
24 Aug 2025 • 1:57 PM MYT
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Kelantan police hunt dual-identity woman linked to cross-border drug syndicate

KELANTAN police are tracking down the owner of a Toyota Vellfire seized during a recent cross-border operation which dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate operating between Malaysia and Thailand.

Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is believed to belong to a woman in her 30s who reportedly holds two identification cards — one Malaysian and the other Thai.

“The vehicle’s ownership was identified through the Malaysian registration number. Based on our checks, she holds an identity card in Malaysia and another in Thailand,” he told reporters after the monthly assembly at the Kelantan police headquarters today.

He added that the woman is suspected to be married to a Thai national and is believed to be a member of the dismantled drug syndicate.

“We are now pursuing the owner and she will be placed on the wanted list. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is working with Thai authorities to locate her,” he said.

The seizure of the Vellfire was part of a wider clampdown in Golok, Thailand, where 13 assets linked to the drug syndicate were confiscated.

Asked if dual identity is common among syndicate members, Mohd Yusoff said such cases are often linked to border towns and remain difficult to trace. He urged the National Registration Department (JPN) to re-examine identification records to ensure individuals hold only one identity card.

Meanwhile, police have identified 153 illegal jetties built on government-owned land along the Sungai Golok stretch from Pengkalan Kubor to Rantau Panjang, which are slated for demolition.

Mohd Yusoff said notices will be issued to local residents one month in advance to inform and remind those regularly using the illegal crossings.

“Authorities are ready to assist in dismantling these jetties and will ensure security throughout the process,” he said.

He also witnessed the official handover of duties between outgoing Kelantan Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Mohd Nor Yhazid Idris and his successor, Senior Assistant Commissioner Mohd Khairiel Mohd Arif.

Earlier reports stated that 212 illegal riverine jetties across four border districts are scheduled for demolition, with 128 under General Operations Force (PGA) jurisdiction and the remainder managed by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). - August 24, 2025