{
  "id": 16444914,
  "title": "Cops identify people linked to ketamine tanker, arrests expected",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/cops-identify-people-linked-to-ketamine-tanker-arrests-expected",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T07:52:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1563192/cops-identify-people-linked-ketamine-tanker-arrests-expected"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: The police have identified several individuals and companies connected to a tanker suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, with the aim of locating them for arrest, stated Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail. He added that both companies and those involved are currently known to the authorities. According to him, arrests could take place as early as today or tomorrow. Yesterday, Indonesian authorities seized the tanker, the MT Global 168, over suspicions of illicit activities involving 1.16 tonnes of ketamine. The vessel's owners, a Johor Baru-based company, employ two Malaysian directors in their 40s and 50s, neither of whom have any prior criminal records. These directors are set to assist in the ongoing investigations. Preliminary investigations suggest that the ship, registered in Mongolia, originated from Johor Baru and was en route to the Andaman Sea, with potential illicit activities, including mid-sea transfers, possibly occurring in international waters. The police have maintained close working relationships with their ASEAN counterparts, including Indonesia and Laos, as well as international law enforcement partners. Malaysian and Indonesian law enforcement agencies are now collaborating closely to facilitate joint investigations and ensure those involved are held accountable.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Police have identified several people and companies linked to a tanker suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and are working to locate them for arrest, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Police identify individuals and companies linked to ketamine tanker.",
    "Indonesian authorities seized tanker MT Global 168 with 1.16 tonnes of ketamine.",
    "Arrests expected as early as today or tomorrow with Malaysian directors' assistance."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The coordinated pursuit of the tanker's directors and owners signals a strengthening of regional law enforcement cooperation to combat large-scale maritime drug trafficking within Southeast Asian waters.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}