NCID dismantles 19 labs, arrests 737 suspects in nationwide crackdown from January through December.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities dealt severe setbacks to drug trafficking operations this year, dismantling 270 criminal networks and confiscating narcotics valued at RM3.1 billion on the black market.
Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director CP Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the crackdown followed 609 enforcement operations carried out nationwide between January and Dec 18, resulting in the arrest of 737 individuals
He added 19 illegal drug laboratories were raided, leading to the arrest of 52 suspects, including four chemists.
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“Drugs and poisons weighing 215 tonnes were seized, with an estimated black market value of RM3.1 billion.
“A total of 234,567 investigation papers were opened, involving 255,248 arrests, and 67% of the cases have been charged in court.
“NCID also seized RM141 million in assets and forfeited RM29 million to cripple syndicate finances,” he told reporters at a press conference today.
Hussein said 808 individuals were detained under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, while firm action was taken against 9,512 repeat offenders under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
“These syndicates mainly relied on deep-sea transits, drug mules and container cargo services to smuggle drugs, citing major successes including Op Gombe and joint operations with the Australian Federal Police.”
He urged the public to provide information regarding drugs syndicates via the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.
