SHAH ALAM, Nov 2 — The police are currently tracking down several other individuals believed to be linked to the recent discovery of 1.16 tonnes of ketamine aboard a tanker.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, said these individuals have been identified, and efforts to locate them are underway to assist with further investigations.

“We recently arrested two individuals, but their remand period has since expired. They have been released on police bail for the time being.

“Nevertheless, there are several other individuals we are tracking down to assist with the investigation,” he said when met at the NCID case evidence disposal event at Selangor police contingent headquarters (IPK) here today.

Hussein added that the police would continue to collaborate with Indonesian authorities to obtain further information regarding the case.

Media outlets previously reported that the police had detained two men, both aged 40, to assist in the investigation under Section 34 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Commenting on the case of a Chinese national detained at Hong Kong International Airport on suspicion of transporting two kilogrammes (kg) of cocaine from Penang, Hussein noted that the drug syndicate appears to have shifted away from using Malaysian citizens.

Instead, he explained that the police have identified several recurring modi operandi in which Chinese nationals are utilised as drug mules.

According to him, these individuals typically enter Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before traveling to Penang by land.

“They arrive at KLIA, travel to Penang, and then board a separate flight to Hong Kong while carrying the cocaine.”

“So far, there have been three cases; two individuals were successfully arrested in Hong Kong, while another was arrested by us in Penang,” he said.

Hussein said preliminary investigations indicate the operation is likely run by a syndicate, with a mastermind orchestrating the movements of the drug mules.

Authorities also believe the syndicate arranges for new passports for the Chinese nationals involved before they travel to Malaysia.

Commenting on the choice of Penang as a transit point, Hussein suggested that this tactic might be intended to mislead law enforcement by altering flight routes.

Media outlets previously reported that a 25-year-old Chinese national was detained at Hong Kong International Airport on October 22, suspected of carrying two kilogrammes (kg) of cocaine from Penang with the promised a payment of RMB 2,000 (approximately RM 1,200) to transport the drugs. — Bernama