Thai drug-positive smuggler held with 22 migrants in Malaysia

Malaysian authorities have apprehended a Thai national suspected of being a border smuggler, along with 22 undocumented migrants, during an early morning raid in Kampung Kubang Bemban, Pengkalan Kubor. The suspect, who tested positive for methamphetamine, attempted to evade capture upon realizing the presence of the General Operations Force (PGA).

During the arrest, the suspect resisted and a minor struggle ensued, requiring minimal force from the officers. A search of the vehicle revealed nine additional individuals – six Chinese nationals and three Myanmar nationals (one male, two female) – believed to have entered Malaysia illegally. One individual presented a Chinese passport lacking a valid entry stamp, while the others failed to produce any travel documents.

Initial investigations indicate the suspect has been involved in migrant smuggling activities since January, receiving RM150 for each migrant from an individual in Tak Bai, Thailand. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a car, 22 mobile phones of various models, a Dell laptop, a laptop bag, and identification documents, with a total estimated value of RM77,100.

Further examination of seized items, including nine iPhones and a laptop, suggests they may have been used for online fraud activities. The arrested individuals are being investigated under Malaysia's Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.