KUALA LUMPUR: Drug lords brand themselves as philanthropists involved in a variety of businesses to cover up their drug trafficking activities, says Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, director of narcotics criminal investigation department at Bukit Aman.

Many have set up a series of companies in logistics, food, property and others to mask their real identities and use their business networks in different sectors to sell drugs.

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Ayob Khan said the police busted drug syndicates operating food and car accessory businesses where drugs had been delivered out of the country in food and car part packages with valid export documents.

Many drug traffickers also transfer the money they make in drug businesses to companies such as property agencies to launder their illicit earnings.

“Drug traffickers no longer rely on a single company to cover themselves.

“They also disguise as generous donors to charities,” he added.

When the police go after the philanthropists, their supporters would stand up for them, slamming the police for “flawed enforcement”.

Although Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act is very tough on drug trafficking, the masterminds generally escape scot-free.

The police are relying on the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA), and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 to tackle such people, Ayob Khan said.

Citing an example, to cripple a drug syndicate, the police would first detain a drug trafficker under the Dangerous Drug Act before collecting evidences to pursue the suspect using SOSMA and AMLA to freeze their assets.

“Without those acts, the police can only arrest a handful of drug traffickers while the masterminds continue to make lucrative gains from their illegal businesses,” he explained.

SOSMA is not only used against terrorists but also drug traffickers, he said.