KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 — The driving force behind Bukit Aman’s Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING), Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim, is deputy inspector-general of police with immediate effect. 

Noor Rashid, currently the Federal Narcotics Department director, replaces Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Zinin, who retired on Sept 7.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Noor Rashid, 56, was promoted as the country’s second most senior police officer based on his experience in the field, high competency and leadership qualities. 

He said Noor Rashid’s appointment was given the consent by Yang diPertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah on advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, based on the recommendation of the Police Force Commission.

“I am confident he (Noor Rashid) is able to contribute to the growth of the police force,” Khalid said in a statement yesterday.

Noor Rashid was among the key people in the success of STING, launched on Jan 30. 

Since he became Narcotics director, the department was applauded for arresting 33 kingpins and took down 34 drug laboratories nationwide last year — the highest ever recorded since the department’s establishment. 

STING also seized RM403 million worth of drugs.

His experience helped tremendously to curtail drug problems in the country.

Noor Rashid, who hails from Yan, Kedah, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree from Universiti Malaya.

Khalid said Noor Rashid entered the force with the rank of assistant superintendent. 

“He held top posts, including Kedah police headquarters’ Serious Crime Division chief, Sabah police commissioner and Bukit Aman deputy CID director.” 

Khalid said he was confident Noor Rashid was the right man for the job.