Kelantan Brothers Arrested with Homemade Guns for Loan Shark Debt Collection
In a significant crackdown on organized crime in Kelantan, Malaysian police have apprehended two brothers and confiscated an arsenal of homemade firea...
In a significant crackdown on organized crime in Kelantan, Malaysian police have apprehended two brothers and confiscated an arsenal of homemade firearms allegedly used to enforce illegal moneylending operations. The arrests, which occurred on January 13, underscore the persistent threat posed by loan shark syndicates and the dangerous methods employed by their enforcers.
According to Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, the operation was conducted by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (D9) based on actionable intelligence. The raid targeted a residence near Kampung Seneng in the Jelawat area of Bachok district, leading to the detention of the siblings, aged 34 and 37. Both individuals are believed to have been active as debt collectors for multiple illegal moneylending syndicates operating within the state.
During the search of the premises, authorities discovered a cache of weapons and related paraphernalia. The seized items included a homemade shotgun barrel, two homemade pistols, two imitation firearms, two magazines, a pistol holster, and 27 caliber powder ramsets. Additionally, police confiscated a motorcycle and three mobile phones, which are suspected to have been instrumental in the debt collection activities. These findings highlight the sophisticated and threatening tactics used by the suspects to intimidate debtors.
Datuk Mohd Yusoff revealed that the brothers, who work as metalworkers, utilized their technical skills to manufacture and modify firearms. These weapons were allegedly deployed to threaten individuals who had fallen behind on payments to illegal lenders. The police chief noted that the suspects' operations were primarily concentrated in the Bachok district, where they were reportedly compensated by the loan shark syndicates that employed them.
Further investigation into the case uncovered that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine during urine screenings. Additionally, checks revealed that they had prior criminal and drug-related records, indicating a pattern of illicit behavior. The suspects have been remanded for four days to facilitate ongoing investigations under the Arms Act 1960 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. This remand period will allow authorities to delve deeper into the extent of their involvement with the moneylending syndicates and any potential connections to broader criminal networks.
The arrest of these individuals is part of a broader effort by Kelantan police to combat organized crime and illegal activities in the region. In a related development, Datuk Mohd Yusoff announced that authorities are actively pursuing a woman believed to be the mastermind behind a significant cannabis flower syndicate. The suspect, known as 'Luna' and thought to be in her 30s, is allegedly responsible for a drug trafficking operation that led to the seizure of cannabis flowers valued at RM1.82 million in Kuala Krai last week. Police suspect that 'Luna' is currently in Thailand and have initiated cooperation with Thai counterparts to track her down.
This case highlights the multifaceted nature of criminal enterprises in Kelantan, where illegal moneylending and drug trafficking often intersect. The use of homemade firearms by debt collectors poses a severe risk to public safety, as these weapons are typically unregulated and can be highly dangerous. The involvement of individuals with technical skills in metalworking further complicates law enforcement efforts, as it enables the production of custom-made arms that are difficult to trace.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities related to illegal moneylending and other criminal endeavors. The public is urged to remain vigilant and to provide any relevant information to the police to assist in dismantling these syndicates. The successful raid and subsequent arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in addressing complex criminal operations.
As the investigation progresses, police will continue to examine the seized evidence and interrogate the suspects to uncover the full scope of their activities. The outcome of this case may lead to further arrests and disruptions of the illegal moneylending networks in Kelantan. The commitment of law enforcement to upholding justice and ensuring public safety remains unwavering, as evidenced by this decisive action against those who seek to exploit and intimidate vulnerable individuals through violent means.
