KOTA KINABALU: Two brothers were among three suspected members of an international drug syndicate arrested after they were caught with 50.25kg of syabu with an estimated street value of RM3mil.
The three suspects, all locals aged 27 to 38, were arrested by the road along the arrival hall at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) here at about 12.40pm on Sept 7.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the trio, in a car, were stopped by police from the state Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department on suspicion of being involved in drug trafficking.
"One of the suspects tried to run away when he noticed the police, but was arrested.
"Upon checking the vehicle, the police team found 50 packages containing suspected methamphetamine or syabu hidden in the back of the rear passenger seat," he told a press conference at state police headquarters in Kepayan here Monday (Sept 11).
Comm Jauteh said initial investigations found that the drugs were brought in from Sarawak by road and meant for the local market as well neighbouring countries.
He said the suspects had just arrived in Kota Kinabalu and were on their way to Tawau on the east coast.
"The three suspects are from Sarawak and it is believed that they are involved in drug trafficking activities from Sarawak to Tawau as well as for markets abroad," he said.
He added that one suspect tested positive for drugs and had prior narcotics-related cases on his record.
Police also confiscated RM1,902 worth of money in various currencies (Brunei dollars, Thai baht, Chinese yuan, US dollars and ringgit) as well as mobile phones and jewellery worth RM15,475.
He said they were looking into the suspects' bank accounts and other property that could be seized under the law.
"The suspects have been remanded until Thursday (Sept 14) and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he added.
