Penang police arrest nine suspects linked to a brazen RM3.6 million gold robbery, seizing jewellery, weapons and vehicles in a major operation.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang police have dismantled an armed robbery gang with the arrest of nine individuals linked to a RM3.6 million gold heist.
State police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the arrests were made in several raids across the state under ‘Op Jingga D Garden’ from March 26.
Raids in the Barat Daya and Timur Laut districts netted seven local men and two Indonesian women, aged between 23 and 43.
Police seized about 4.3 kilogrammes of gold jewellery, a machete, four tyres with sports rims and two vehicles believed used in the robberies.
Azizee said the group targeted salespersons transporting jewellery for delivery or transactions at gold shops around Penang.
With these arrests, police believe they have solved a gang robbery case reported on March 26 in Seberang Perai Utara.
The case involved losses of jewellery weighing 6,023.69 grammes valued at RM3.6 million.
Checks found three suspects have serious past criminal records, including one with 17 prior offence records.
Three suspects also tested positive for methamphetamine during the operation.
Azizee said operations are ongoing to track down remaining gang members still at large.
All suspects have been remanded to assist in investigations under Sections 395, 397 and 109 of the Penal Code.
He advised the public not to speculate, as it could affect police investigations or cause unnecessary public concern.
