Bukit Aman NCID is tracking several more individuals linked to a 1.16-tonne ketamine seizure aboard a tanker in Indonesian waters, while two arrested Malaysians have been released on bail.
SHAH ALAM: Police are tracking several more individuals believed to be linked to the seizure of 1.16 tonnes of ketamine aboard a tanker in Indonesian waters, while two Malaysians detained earlier in connection with the case have been released on police bail.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the individuals had been identified and were being sought to assist investigations into the suspected international drug-smuggling operation.
He said the two Malaysians previously arrested in connection with the case had been released after their remand period expired.
“We recently arrested two individuals and their remand period has ended. They have been released on police bail for now.
“However, there are several more individuals we are tracking to assist with investigations,” he told reporters after a drug exhibit disposal ceremony at the Selangor police headquarters today.
Hussein said police were continuing to work with Indonesian authorities to obtain further information about the seizure and establish whether other individuals were involved.
“The case is still under investigation,” he said, adding that the findings would be referred to the relevant authorities once the investigation was completed.
Police had previously identified three individuals, believed to be nationals of Singapore, Taiwan and Myanmar, who were being sought to assist with investigations into the case.
On Oct 27, police confirmed the arrest of two Malaysian men in their 40s in Johor Bahru following the discovery of the ketamine aboard the tanker.
One was a director of a company that previously owned the vessel, while the other was an agent or broker involved in its sale.
Both were remanded to assist investigations under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Indonesian authorities intercepted the tanker on Oct 20 and discovered 1.16 tonnes of ketamine concealed aboard the vessel.
The drugs were believed to have been transferred from a foreign mother vessel in the Andaman Sea, with investigators suspecting that the vessel was registered in a country within the Golden Triangle region.
Eight crew members, comprising seven Indonesians and one Chinese national, were also detained by Indonesian authorities following the seizure.
