KUALA LUMPUR: Eight people, including a former policeman, are still being sought in the ongoing investigation of a Sabah-based drug syndicate allegedly led by a Datuk.

       Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said among the eight people, four are Filipinos and an Indonesian.

       “Previously we charged two policemen and this time... a former policeman (is being pursued). We will not compromise on any officers or civil servants found to be involved.

       “We will trace and catch (them), and then when there is enough evidence we will charge in court,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman on Tuesday (Jan 23).

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       Ayob Khan said more suspects, who are currently detained at a moral rehabilitation centre, would be charged on March 1.

       “They are (suspected to be) syndicate members. It is possible that they acted as transporters and the like,” he said.

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       He also said 42 more bank accounts were frozen, between Dec 22 and Jan 19, with an estimated value of RM1.8mil.

       “Seventy-six premises in various locations of Sabah such as Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Semporna and Keningau have also been inspected,” he added.

       On Monday (Jan 22), a Datuk and 10 others allegedly linked to the drug syndicate operating out of Sabah claimed trial in the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court to a charge of being involved with a criminal organisation.