Drug lab in cow shed busted

GOMBAK: Instead of cows, police found drugs in a cattle shed in Kampung Timah, Bukit Beruntung, that is being used as a drug processing lab.

Its location in the outskirts was the prime reason the drug syndicate chose the site as a means to evade the authorities, said Comm Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd.

The Bukit Aman Narcotic Crimes Investigation Department (NCID) director said the barn-cum-drug lab was among seven locations raided around Rawang and Bukit Beruntung on Tuesday.

“Among those arrested was a ‘chemist’ for the syndicate along with the mastermind of the operation.

“Initial investigations revealed the chemist, who was previously imprisoned, learnt from other inmates how to produce drugs,” he told a press conference at the Gombak police district headquarters yesterday.

A total of 44.77kg of drugs, including heroin, worth RM222,960 were seized during the operation conducted between 12.20pm and 9.40pm on Tuesday, he said.

“We also seized chemicals and other ingredients used by the syndicate to manufacture the drugs.

“We believe the syndicate could have operated for another five months if their operation was not busted,” Comm Mohd Khalil said.

Those arrested, who are aged between 34 and 53, have been remanded until Dec 3.

“The latest success marked the 17th drug lab raided and shut

down this year.

“We are continuously targeting drug labs all over the country to ensure the drugs do not reach their intended market,” he added.

On another matter, Comm Mohd Khalil said a total of 334 drug pushers were detained nationwide on Tuesday, in the latest stage of the special operation codenamed Ops Damn Tokan.

“This brings the total number of drug pushers arrested to 1,804 since the operation started in September.