Car gang at temple busted

PUCHONG: Police have busted a car theft syndicate which used a Hindu temple in Pulau Meranti, Putra Perdana here, as its base.

The syndicate is believed to have been operating in a garage between two buildings within the temple.

Three men, including the ringleader, were arrested at the garage in a midnight raid yesterday, said Sepang police chief Supt Imran Abdul Rahman.

He said police recovered 11 stolen cars of various makes, including a Kia Spectra, Naza Citra, Nissan Sunny, Mercedez Benz, Honda Accord and Proton Wira.

"Five cars were reported stolen in Kajang, Sungei Way, Bandar Sunway and Cheras," he said. "The garage was also used to cannibalise the cars for spare parts and components."

Police believe the syndicate had been operating at the temple for a year and had used the compound to hide the stolen vehicles.

"We also believe the syndicate members are involved in drug related activities, following the seizure of psychotropic pills and syabu," he said.

Imran said police seized parangs, knives, car keys, hand phones, walkie-talkies, lap tops and face masks.

Checks showed that one suspect had recently been released from detention at Simpang Renggam in Johor. He had been detained there under the Emergency Ordinance 1969.