JITRA — Two men suspected of gang-related crimes were shot dead during a shootout with police at the North-South Expressway ramp here around 8.05am today.

Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said the suspects opened fire on a police patrol after being ordered to stop, prompting police to return fire. Both were killed at the scene.

Police recovered a revolver, semi-automatic pistol, bullets, a machete, and burglary tools from their vehicle. One suspect, 41, had over 40 criminal records, while the other remains unidentified.

The duo is believed linked to a violent gang active nationwide since 2020, involved in drug trafficking, robberies, and break-ins.

The case is being probed under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. Police are also investigating possible ties to a Klang-based gang with over 30 members, said Bukit Aman CID acting director Datuk Fadil Marsus.