Key Figure in ‘Operasi Speedo’ Drug Syndicate Captured

KUALA LUMPUR – AEDI ARIIF BIN HAJI ZULLIZAM, identified as the principal orchestrator of the notorious ‘Operasi Speedo’ drug trafficking syndicate, was apprehended on August 9th at Kuala Lumpur International Airport after arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the arrest was the culmination of a coordinated operation involving the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN), the Royal Malaysian Police, and INTERPOL Malaysia. AEDI ARIIF, who had previously fled the country, was tracked through international cooperation and extradited back to Malaysia on August 13th to face charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27. This act stipulates severe penalties for drug trafficking, including the possibility of the death sentence for trafficking substantial quantities of controlled substances.

The charges stem from a November 2023 investigation in which AEDI ARIIF was allegedly involved in smuggling 3,071.20 grams of cannabis and 2,038.59 grams of Syabu into the country. The overall drug seizure linked to this case has resulted in nine arrests and the confiscation of drugs valued at $336,592.70.

AEDI ARIIF first came under scrutiny as a minor when he was apprehended with 115.42 grams of cannabis, although charges were initially dropped due to his age. His continued involvement in drug trafficking, highlighted by a 2020 case still under prosecution involving nearly a kilogram of cannabis, along with ongoing investigations under the Criminal Assets Recovery Order 2012 (CARO), underscores a pattern of criminal activity that has spanned several years.

The NCB’s investigations reveal that AEDI ARIIF orchestrated drug distribution from abroad, utilizing online platforms to recruit young people for drug distribution within the country, thus complicating the investigation efforts. The bureau remains vigilant, with ongoing efforts to dismantle networks like ‘Operasi Speedo’ and a commitment to prosecute those involved, leveraging both domestic and international law enforcement resources.

The NCB has expressed gratitude towards the intelligence and security enforcement agencies for their pivotal roles in the operation’s success, reaffirming their resolve to pursue and prosecute individuals linked to the drug trade, irrespective of their location.