Langkawi: A police personnel suspected of being involved in a drug trafficking syndicate in Langkawi has been transferred with immediate effect to allow for a transparent investigation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah stressed that the transfer was not intended to protect or shield the police personnel, as a detailed investigation is ongoing. He refuted claims that the drug trafficking syndicate in Langkawi could be equated with operations like those of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. While acknowledging the presence of drug distribution elements on the island, he emphasized the ongoing police investigation into the matter.

Datuk Adzli Abu Shah, speaking at a press conference at the Kedah police contingent headquarters, stated that as the state police chief and representative of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), he is committed to ensuring no protection is afforded to any personnel involved in drug-related activities, regardless of their rank. He clarified that the transfer was made in the public interest, noting that another suspect, known as 'Bagok', aged 47, was arrested on Saturday.

Adzli further highlighted the PDRM's uncompromising stance against drug-related misconduct, citing statistics from January 2023 to April this year, where 54 officers and personnel were detained under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, with 38 subsequently charged.

The recent emergence of a drug trafficking network in Langkawi, allegedly organized by a police personnel dubbed 'Mr A', follows the death of Langkawi's 'Pablo Escobar', Mat Nahar, six years ago. This has raised concerns about organized drug operations on the island.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has also addressed the issue, refuting comparisons of Langkawi's drug activities to international cartel operations. He emphasized that the scale of drug trafficking on the resort island does not match the extensive networks led by figures like Pablo Escobar.