Drug Trafficking Syndicate Busted in Malaysia
Largest Cannabis Seizure to Date
KEPALA BATAS: Police have arrested two men, suspected of being involved in a drug smuggling and trafficking syndicate, and seized 146.59kg of cannabis, along with 1.075kg of cannabis buds, with a total value of RM500,000, last Saturday.
Operation Details
Bukit Aman narcotics criminal investigation department (NCID) acting director Mat Zani @ Salahuddin Che Ali said his team launched an operation based on intelligence and other information, intercepting a Honda CRV driven by a 46-year-old local man at the Sungai Dua Toll Plaza, southbound, at 9:20am. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of seven gunny sacks filled with cannabis, and further inspection uncovered 146 compressed blocks of cannabis, weighing 146.590kg, and five packets of cannabis buds, weighing 1.075kg, all valued at RM500,000.
Seized Items
The seized items include a Sig Sauer pistol, two empty magazines, and three pairs of handcuffs. The pistol, handcuffs, and magazines were smuggled along with the cannabis, which was sourced from an international drug syndicate. This operation marked the largest seizure to date, with the high-quality cannabis buds – priced at RM30,000 per kg – being significantly more expensive than compressed cannabis, which costs RM3,000 per kg.
Investigation Findings
Investigations found that the second suspect acted as a ‘sweeper’, monitoring the route to ensure a clear passage for the vehicle transporting the cannabis. Arrested 18km apart, he was the lookout for the smuggling operation. The syndicate, active since early this year, uses rented vehicles to avoid detection during drug trafficking activities.
Arrested Suspects
The two suspects, both lorry drivers, were paid RM4,000 per successful trip. Police seized RM5,710 in cash, a Toyota Altis, and jewellery worth RM116,970. The 46-year-old suspect tested positive for cannabis, and both men have drug and criminal records. They are currently under a seven-day remand, until March 22, to assist with the investigation and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Conclusion
This operation demonstrates the commitment of the police to combat drug trafficking and smuggling in Malaysia. The seizure of such a large quantity of cannabis and cannabis buds is a significant achievement, and the arrest of the two suspects is a major blow to the drug syndicate.
FAQs
- What is the value of the seized cannabis and cannabis buds?
- RM500,000
- How much did the suspects receive per successful trip?
- RM4,000
- What is the total amount of cash seized from the suspects?
- RM5,710
- What is the value of the jewellery seized from the suspects?
- RM116,970
- How much does compressed cannabis cost per kg?
- RM3,000
- How much do high-quality cannabis buds cost per kg?
- RM30,000