IPOH (The Star/Asia News Network) - The Malaysian police's Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) will undergo a major reshuffle following the arrests of 16 policemen, including senior officers, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim.

Other measures would also be taken to prevent leakage of operational information to syndicates, he said on Tuesday (May 16).

"At this stage, only 16 policemen have been arrested. There may be more.

"So far, it is only in (national police headquarters) Bukit Aman. We are still investigating. We cannot let it continue," he said after closing the 19th national-level Police Cadet Corp Camp at the Police General Operations Forces base in Ulu Kinta, Ipoh.

Noor Rashid said those arrested had taken money from syndicates and were being remanded for 28 days.

"We will take action against any policemen found working, protecting or being best buddies with the syndicates," he said, adding that those involved would be charged once the deputy public prosecutor's office gave the green light.

It was reported that the NCID officers involved, including a deputy superintendent and an inspector, were being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 for their alleged involvement with drug distribution syndicates.

The policemen were alleged to be protecting the syndicates instead of going after them.