PUTRAJAYA, Oct 25 — Police have identified several individuals suspected of being linked to the attempted smuggling of 1.16 tonnes of ketamine found aboard a Malaysian-owned tanker in Indonesian waters recently.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said police were tracking down the individuals and would strive to make arrests as soon as possible, either today or tomorrow.
“We have identified the individuals and are trying to locate them. The companies and those linked to the case are also known to us,” he told the media after attending the 26th convocation ceremony of Spectrum International University College here today.
Mohd Khalid said investigations found that the vessel had departed from Johor for Port Klang before heading towards the Andaman Sea, which is believed to be where the ship-to-ship transfer took place.
He said the vessel’s decision to turn back and enter Indonesian waters provided the authorities there with an opportunity to conduct investigations and make arrests.
In this regard, he said Malaysia would continue to cooperate with the Indonesian authorities to ensure that all those involved were brought to justice.
Mohd Khalid said he had been informed that the vessel was owned by Malaysians but registered in Mongolia.
He said more information was still needed to assist the investigation, including matters concerning ownership of the vessel, as the case involved a very large quantity of drugs.
The media reported that the tanker, MT Global 168, was intercepted off Tanjung Balai Asahan, North Sumatra, on October 20. — Bernama