Malaysian police close in on suspects linked to ketamine-laden tanker

Following the seizure of the tanker MT Global 168 by Indonesian authorities over a suspected 1.16-tonne ketamine cargo, Malaysian police have identified a number of individuals and companies linked to the vessel. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail announced that the suspects are being tracked and arrests could occur within days. The ship, registered in Mongolia, originated from Johor Baru and is owned by a local company whose two directors, aged in their 40s and 50s, have no criminal histories and will be summoned for assistance.

Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan warned that illicit activities such as ship-to-ship transfers may have taken place in international waters. Malaysian police are working closely with their Indonesian and Lao counterparts, as well as other international law-enforcement partners, to pursue joint investigations and hold the perpetrators accountable.