Police smash alleged 'Datuk-led' drug syndicate in RM6.26 million bust

POLICE have dismantled several major drug trafficking networks, including an alleged syndicate headed by an individual carrying the honorific title ‘Datuk’, following a nationwide anti-narcotics operation that led to the arrest of 291 people and the seizure of drugs worth RM6.26 million.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the large-scale crackdown, conducted under Op Gaurus last week, targeted multiple trafficking syndicates operating across several states.

Among those arrested was a man in his mid-40s, believed to be the leader of an organised crime group involved in drug distribution activities across Perak, the Klang Valley and Johor.

Police also detained nine alleged members of the syndicate during the operation.

"The modus operandi of the syndicate led by the individual known as 'Datuk' was to purchase narcotics in bulk before repackaging them for distribution and sale at entertainment outlets.

"This syndicate is believed to have been operating in Perak, the Klang Valley and Johor since the middle of 2024," Harian Metro cited Hussein telling a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters on Friday.

The operation resulted in the seizure of a wide range of narcotics, including heroin, MDMA powder and liquid, ketamine, ecstasy tablets, Erimin 5 tablets and cannabis, with the total value of the drugs estimated at RM6.26 million.

Investigators also confiscated assets believed to be linked to the syndicate, including a Nissan Sentra, a Mazda, a Maserati Ghibli, Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire multi-purpose vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz CL250, two Rolex watches and RM4,383 in cash.

Hussein said those arrested were aged between 19 and 74, with five testing positive for various illicit drugs.

He added that the investigation is being conducted under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, while forfeiture proceedings have also been initiated under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988 against assets believed to belong to the syndicate.

The latest operation forms part of the police's ongoing efforts to disrupt organised drug trafficking networks and dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting illicit narcotics activities across the country. - June 26, 2026