Police Cripple International Drug Syndicate’s Activities
PETALING JAYA: Police believe they have crippled an international syndicate’s drug processing activities following three raids in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, which saw 12 people arrested.
Seizures Worth RM120 Million
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) Director Khaw Kok Chin announced that more than 830kg of various types of drugs were seized in the raids, along with a submachine gun, 15 pistols, and 900 rounds of ammunition. The drugs and firearms seized are believed to be worth RM120 million, with the syndicate believed to have been active since the end of last year.
Raids Lead to Arrests and Seizures
The police also seized several vehicles, a forklift, and about RM1 million in cash. The first raid on a warehouse in Puncak Alam led to the arrest of eight foreign men who were processing drugs believed to be intended for both the domestic and international markets. Around 306kg of Erimin 5 and 183.7kg of ecstasy were discovered at the warehouse, along with drug-processing equipment and various chemicals believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country.
Second Raid Reveals More Suspects
The second raid on a house in Puncak Alam resulted in the arrest of two foreign men believed to be coordinators for the syndicate, as well as a Thai woman whose role has yet to be determined. A further inspection of the premises found five clear plastic packages, each containing powder and crystal lumps believed to be ketamine, with an estimated weight of 533g each, along with 70 tablet packages, suspected to be Erimin 5, weighing approximately 203g each.
Third Raid Uncovered Large Cache of Drugs and Firearms
The interrogation of the three suspects from the second raid led to the inspection of a house in Kuala Lumpur used as a storage facility for the drugs. An inspection of the premises found about 310kg of ecstasy, 21.1kg of cocaine, 5.2kg of methamphetamine, 3.6kg of heroin, 1.8kg of heroin base, 0.5kg of cannabis, and 0.4kg of ketamine, along with 15 pistols, a submachine gun, and 900 bullets. A local man, believed to be the syndicate’s coordinator, was also arrested at a house in Seri Kembangan.
Criminal Records Revealed
Checks on the foreign nationals revealed that six of the men had prior criminal records involving offences related to drugs, murder, violent crime, and fraud.
Charges and Remand
All the suspects have been remanded for seven days until January 23 and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 and Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960.
Conclusion
The police’s swift action has dealt a significant blow to the international drug syndicate, disrupting their illegal activities and seizing a large quantity of drugs and firearms. This operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and protecting the community.
FAQs
- What was the total weight of drugs seized in the raids?
- Over 830kg
- What was the estimated value of the drugs and firearms seized?
- RM120 million
- How many people were arrested in the raids?
- 12
- What was the nature of the drugs seized?
- Various types, including Erimin 5, ecstasy, ketamine, and others
- What was the total weight of firearms seized?
- 15 pistols and 1 submachine gun
- How many rounds of ammunition were seized?
- 900