THE Police have successfully dismantled a cross-border drug trafficking syndicate, confiscating methamphetamine worth an estimated RM16 million during a series of raids in Selangor last week.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) Acting Director, DCP Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali, revealed that the operation began when officers stopped a vehicle in Subang Jaya at 7:20am, leading to the arrest of two local men.
“Upon searching the car, officers discovered six sacks containing 150 packages of methamphetamine, totalling 156 kilograms, in the rear passenger seat and the bonnet,” Mat Zani said during a press briefing at Bukit Aman Police Headquarters.
Following the initial arrests, police raided a homestay in the same area, believed to be used as a storage facility for the drugs. There, they seized an additional 12 sacks containing 300 packages of methamphetamine, weighing 312 kilograms.
Later the same day, another raid was carried out at a warehouse in Taman Bukit Permai, Ampang, at around 1 pm, where two more sacks containing 51 kilograms of methamphetamine were found.
“The syndicate is thought to have been operating since September of last year, renting properties like homestays on a daily basis to store drugs before distributing them both locally and internationally,” explained Mat Zani. “The homestay involved in this operation had been rented for RM195 per day, starting from March 26.”
The drugs are believed to have been smuggled into the country from a neighbouring nation.
Although both suspects tested negative for drug use, one of them has a prior conviction under Section 76 of the Excise Act 1976.
“The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and both suspects are currently on remand for 11 days, from March 28 to April 7,” Mat Zani confirmed. - April 4, 2025