The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) cracked down on a drug syndicate operating in two peninsular states yesterday, hauling in a staggering 239kg of methamphetamines, or syabu, worth RM36 million.
Task force members from the federal Narcotics Department and its Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING) carried out coordinated raids on a storehouse in Melintang, Perak and two drug processing labs in Shah Alam, arresting 10 Malaysians, including a chemist, in the process.
Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar told the New Straits Times Online that the syndicate had been active for several months, and had sourced the raw materials needed to concoct the syabu from India.
“Initial investigation revealed that suspects smuggled the raw materials from India to the store in Hutan Melintang.
“From Hutan Melintang, they transported the drugs to two labs in Shah Alam,” he said at a press conference in Bukit Aman today.
Khalid also said that the 239kg of syabu his officers had confiscated would have been enough to supply 12 million junkies. The massive haul is believed to have been meant for the local market.
Apart from the drugs, police also seized RM2.8 million in cash, 78,000 Rupees (RM4,600), a Luger pistol and a magazine of ammo, 38 9mm bullets, assorted jewellery, 12 cars of various makes, and two motorcycles.
All 10 suspects arrested have been placed under remand order until next Tuesday, while the case is being probed under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952.
