Indonesian couple nabbed in Pontian over drug, migrant smuggling ring

PONTIAN: Police arrested a married Indonesian couple for allegedly being involved in drug trafficking and migrant smuggling activities.

Pontian OCPD Supt Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussain said the man and woman, aged 32 and 35, were detained during Ops Pintas/Tapis Bersepadu in Kampung Parit Haji Yassin, Benut, on Monday (Jan 26).

“The operation was carried out following intelligence on migrant smuggling activities in and out of Malaysia through illegal routes in the Sungai Boh, Serkat area on Jan 17.

“We seized four mobile phones, a sling bag, a black plastic bag, a transparent packet 184.54g containing 500 ecstasy pills and another transparent packet containing 231.77g of methamphetamine.

“The total estimated value of the seizure is RM61,000,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 27).

He added that the couple had tested positive for methamphetamine.

“The man, believed to be acting as a land transporter for migrants, was detained under Section 4(5) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

“Meanwhile, his wife was arrested under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said.

He added that the case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine if convicted.

“The case is also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, or a fine of not less than RM10,000, or both and may include up to six strokes of cane if convicted.

“In addition, the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment and not less than 15 strokes of the cane if convicted.

“It is also being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act, which carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine, and police supervision for two years,” he said.

Supt Hadzrat Hussien said integrated intelligence cooperation was carried out between the criminal investigation department and the narcotics criminal investigation department at the Pontian district police headquarters.

“This cooperation involved intelligence sharing, monitoring of target movements and coordinated operational actions to curb organised crime, particularly human trafficking and drug distribution,” he said.

He stressed that police will not compromise with any individual or syndicate involved in human trafficking, migrant smuggling or drug distribution activities.

“Firm action will be taken against those involved in accordance with the law. These activities not only violate the law but also threaten public safety, order and national sovereignty,” he said.