Police uncovered an international drug syndicate operating illegal labs in the Klang Valley, seizing drugs worth RM1.53 billion and arresting six suspects.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have uncovered a large-scale drug laboratory believed to be operated by an international syndicate following four raids in the Klang Valley.
NCID director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the raids, carried out last Tuesday based on intelligence, led to the arrest of six suspects comprising three local men and three foreign women aged between 24 and 39.
He said the seizures included 3kg of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 4,041kg of cocaine and 14,493kg of ketamine, with the total value of drugs and seized property estimated at RM1.53 billion.
“The syndicate, which has been active since April, used residential and business premises as illegal drug processing laboratories targeting international markets,” he said, adding that the quantity of drugs seized could potentially generate up to 68.5 million doses.
According to Hussein, investigations revealed that the syndicate rented a three-storey bungalow in Cheras and another in Sungai Chua, Kajang, for its operations.
The drugs were processed and stored at a separate premises in Kajang before being distributed overseas.
He said the syndicate is believed to have used various distribution methods, including shipping drugs in containers with false declarations.
“The first suspect acted as the head storekeeper and assistant chemist, while the fourth and sixth suspects were trusted associates responsible for managing the residential and business premises used as illegal drug laboratories.”
Hussein added that initial urine screening tests found the first suspect positive for ketamine, while the fourth and sixth suspects tested positive for both methamphetamine and ketamine.
One of the foreign women is believed to be the girlfriend of one of the men.
“All six suspects were remanded for seven days from Dec 17 to 23. A review of their criminal records showed that only the first suspect has a prior drug-related conviction under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he said.
He added that action was also taken under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, with seized assets valued at about RM389,000.
Hussein said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, and a minimum of 12 strokes of whipping upon conviction.
“This success is the result of continuous intelligence work by NCID and cooperation from the public. We will not compromise with any party involved in drug distribution.
“Possessing, distributing or protecting drug activities is a serious offence under the law,” he added.
