Malaysian police seized 6.2 tonnes of drugs worth RM1.04 billion, dismantling a major syndicate using the country as a processing hub for international markets.
KAJANG: Police have dismantled the largest international drug syndicate ever uncovered in Malaysia.
The operation, codenamed Op Gaharu 2.0, resulted in the seizure of 6.2 tonnes of narcotics with an estimated street value of RM1.04 billion.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the raid followed the arrest of six individuals in an earlier phase.
A raid on a premises in Taman Industri Selasa Jaya, Seri Kembangan on December 21 led to the seizure of 5,983 kg of liquid and 207 kg of white powder suspected to be MDMA.
On the same day, a task force raided a location in Taman Perindustrian Kepong, confiscating 20 kg of powder suspected to be cocaine and 1.25 kg of white powder believed to be ketamine.
“The total seizure is estimated at 6,212 kg with a street value of RM1.04 billion,” said Hussein during a press conference at Semenyih police station.
He stated the quantity of drugs confiscated is sufficient to potentially harm approximately 20.7 million users.
Investigations revealed the syndicate imported precursor chemicals from abroad and employed chemists to process the drugs locally.
The syndicate operated from 14 factory units and 10 residential properties converted into labs and storage facilities.
Hussein said these properties were rented for between RM6,000 and RM10,000 per month.
The syndicate used Malaysia as a processing hub to distribute drugs to international destinations including Hong Kong and Australia.
It is believed to have had over 12 members and to have been active since January this year.
“Based on the equipment seized, it is clear this was a large-scale operation,” said Hussein.
He added that police will seek cooperation from foreign authorities and Interpol to track down remaining members and the mastermind.
Separately, Hussein revealed the syndicate was also found to be conducting online fraud activities.
One raided premises in Kajang had been used as a scam call centre, leading to 14 arrests.
That case has been handed over to the Commercial Crime Investigation Department for further investigation.
