POLICE BELIEVE LOCAL MAN ARRESTED IN THAILAND WITH 75KG KETAMINE IS PART OF DRUG SYNDICATE

KLANG, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- A local man arrested by Thai authorities last week with 75 kilograms of ketamine is believed to be part of an international drug distribution network, said Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) director, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.

Hussein said investigations are ongoing in coordination with Thai authorities to identify other members of the syndicate, which is also suspected of operating in Malaysia.

“Further checks have revealed that the suspect has four prior criminal records and police have also identified other individuals who are likely involved in the same syndicate,” he told a press conference at the Port Klang Police Station here today.

Regarding the case being investigated by Thai authorities, Hussein said Malaysia is waiting for legal proceedings in Thailand, as they have sufficient evidence to charge the suspect.

He added that Thai authorities have a strong case against the suspect based on the gathered evidence, and it is common for the country making the arrest to handle prosecution, particularly in drug-related offences.

Information from Thailand is being used by the police (PDRM) to examine the full structure of the drug trafficking network.

“For the syndicate operating in Malaysia, PDRM will take appropriate follow-up action based on the intelligence gathered,” he said.

Earlier reports revealed that police were working to identify the network linked to the 25-year-old local man, who was arrested along with 75 kilograms of ketamine found in his vehicle in Chumphon, southern Thailand, last Thursday.

According to Thai media, the arrest was made by Thailand’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) along with the Chumphon Provincial Police at a roadblock in Hong Charoen sub-district, Tha Sae District.

-- BERNAMA