KOTA TINGGI: Police have arrested five suspects, including a woman, believed to be involved in a violent daylight gang robbery that left three victims injured in Pengerang and Kampung Gambut Pungai.
The suspects, allegedly armed with parangs and a hammer, first robbed two foreigners in their 30s at Teluk Ramunia, Pengerang, at 10.05am.
About 40 minutes later, they struck again, targeting a woman in her 50s in Kampung Gambut Pungai.
The assailants injured the victims before fleeing with their valuables.
Police solved the two back-to-back armed robbery cases within 24 hours, arresting the suspects who tested positive for methamphetamine.
District police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said by 7pm the same day, police raided several premises in Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru, and managed to track and detain four men and a woman, aged between 20 and 40.
“Urine tests later confirmed all suspects, including the woman, were under the influence of methamphetamine, and they also had prior criminal and drug-related records.
“Police recovered a gold bracelet and mobile phones believed stolen from the victims.
“Also seized were the weapons and clothes used in the robberies,” Yusof said in a statement today.
He added that police have a zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes that threaten public safety.
All five suspects were remanded for seven days until April 30 to assist investigations.
The case is being investigated under Sections 394, 395 and 397 of the Penal Code for gang robbery and causing hurt, and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
If convicted, the suspects face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping for the robbery charges, and a further two years’ jail or RM5,000 fine under the drug offence.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
