Kidnapping case of cosmetic seller ties to drug syndicate, police says

KOTA BHARU – The kidnapping of a cosmetic seller by four men at her home in Kampung Semat Jal, Palekbang, Tumpat on Tuesday is believed to have been related to a drug syndicate.

Kelantan Acting Police Chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said the victim's 36-year-old husband who worked as a fisherman was arrested with two other individuals at the Tumpat District Police Headquarters (IPD) on Wednesday.

"The victim’s husband, a male and a female suspect aged between 35 and 47 remanded until Saturday to facilitate investigations.

"Based on the investigation, the husband had two past records involving smuggling while the other male suspect had seven past records.

"We found out the victim knew about her husband's activity involving a drug syndicate," he said in a press conference at the Kelantan Contingent Police Headquarters, here on Thursday.

He said the kidnapping incident happened due to a misunderstanding amongst the syndicate members.

He said a special operation had been mobilised to track down the 36-year old woman who was said to be brought to the neighbouring country.

Zaki said Kelantan Police had contacted authorities in the neighbouring countries to work together in bringing the victim home.

"Initial investigations revealed that the victim knew the suspect who kidnapped her.

"As of now, the victim's family informed that they did not receive any calls for a ransom payment yet," he said.

Sinar Harian previously reported a Rosnazirah Mohd Naim, 36, was believed to have been kidnapped by four men using a silver Toyota Vios on Tuesday at about 5.10pm.