NGO patron among 10 busted for links to Sabah's biggest drug ring

A 40-year-old patron of an NGO has been arrested in connection with a drug syndicate, along with nine others.

The NGO founder, who holds the “Datuk” title, is suspected to be the syndicate’s leader, operating in Sabah for over eight years.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay revealed that the mastermind and the other suspects were apprehended by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in a special operation at 2.30am on Christmas day in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Semporna.

Ayob Khan stated, “He is also a businessman who channelled proceeds from drug trafficking into various businesses to launder the money. He was previously detained under Section 3(1) of the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.”

The other detainees include a trader, personal assistant, enforcement agency personnel, drug mule, site supervisor, restaurant chain managing director, two drug pushers, and a “tonto” who is a lookout for the syndicate.

They were all held under Section 130V of the Penal Code (organized crime involvement) and the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) – the first time a drug syndicate’s members have been held under Sosma.

The investigation under Sosma is aimed at completely dismantling the syndicate. The police are also investigating under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001, as well as the syndicate’s involvement in smuggling contraband and subsidized items to Indonesia and the Philippines.

According to Ayob Khan, the syndicate has been active since 2015 and is believed to be the biggest drug syndicate in Sabah, with a network spanning locally and overseas. They smuggle syabu from a neighboring country into Sabah via drug mules and cargo ships, and traffic drugs to the Philippines and Indonesia.

Furthermore, the syndicate owns 12 businesses across various industries, including tourism, construction, petrochemical, and oil and gas. They also have a ferry and a chain of restaurants. The syndicate leader became an NGO patron to disguise his illegal activities, and the police have detected various bungalows and luxury vehicles owned by the syndicate.

The investigation into the syndicate’s network is still ongoing, with the aim of seizing proceeds from their illegal activities. According to Ayob Khan, the authorities are unwavering in their commitment to combatting drug syndicates, and they are utilizing Section 130V of the Penal Code and Sosma to ensure that syndicate leaders are brought to justice.