ALOR STAR: Kedah police have arrested six men and a woman associated with a notorious group of burglars known as "Geng Mizan", responsible for a recent burglary at the Kedah Royal Family's Istana Hinggap Taman Tunku Sarina.
The syndicate, consisting of 10 individuals aged between 25 and 52, have been linked to a total of 15 break-ins, comprising 13 incidents in Kedah, and one each in Penang and Perak respectively.
During their spree, the syndicate managed to amass more than RM100,000 worth of stolen goods which included valuable artifacts, metal safes, and television sets.
Three more gang members, including the gang's leader, Hamizan Kassim, 43, are still at large and are being pursued by the police.
Kedah police chief Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said the arrests marked a significant breakthrough in dismantling a house-breaking syndicate operating in the northern region.
He said the initial arrest of four syndicate members was made after police were informed about a break-in incident at a business premises in Bedong, Sungai Petani, on May 20.
"The incident resulted in a loss of approximately RM25,000 to the victim. Following the incident, police successfully tracked, identified, and apprehended three local men and a local woman, aged between 25 and 30 years old.
"The break in at Istana Hinggap Taman Tunku Sarina on May 26 resulted in losses estimated to be worth more than RM10,000. It also included losses of invaluable sentimental artifacts belonging to the Royal Family.
"Through continuous investigative operations, the police succeeded in apprehending three more male suspects aged between 43 and 52 years old. All of them tested positive for methamphetamine," he said during a press conference at the Kedah Contingent Police Headquarters in Alor Star here today.
Wan Hassan said that the initial investigations found that the syndicate operated with a sophisticated modus operandi, which primarily involved targeting vacant houses or premises at night time.
"We managed to seize various items believed to be the loot from the incident, along with two plastic packages containing crystal-like substances suspected to be methamphetamine.
"Additionally, a Proton Perdana which is suspected to have been used for their activities, was seized along with several break-in tools.
"We are still pursuing three more suspects, which include the group's mastermind and hope to detain them as soon as possible," he added.
Wan Hassan said the police had also seized a metal safe suspected to be the result of the break-in incident by the syndicate at Istana Hinggap Taman Tunku Sarina.
He said the cases were being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code and Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
"All the arrested individuals have records for criminal and drug offences, and are currently under remand from May 20 until June 3 according to Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, to assist in the investigation.
"If convicted, the suspects may face imprisonment of up to 14 years along with fines," he added.
Commenting further, Wan Hassan advised the public to remain vigilant and assist the police to prevent and combat criminal activities.
"It is important to be aware and not provide opportunities for criminals to engage in their criminal activities.
"We also urge the public to report any information on crimes through the emergency hotline or contact any nearby police station," he added.
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