International drug ring smashed
> Eight suspects nabbed, RM32 million in narcotics seized
JOHOR BARU: Police scored a major success with the arrest of eight suspects of an international drug syndicate and seized Ecstacy and syabu drugs valued at RM32.4 million in six raids in Masai and Permas Jaya in Pasir Gudang on Oct 31.
A Singaporean man and Vietnamese woman were among the eight suspects. All suspects tested positive for drug abuse.
Police also got rid of an Ecstasy processing lab at a shelter in an oil palm estate in Kampung Kong-Kong Laut, Pasir Gudang.
The raids from 1.30am to 7am on Monday were conducted by Bukit Aman’s Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group and state police.
Federal police narcotics investigations department director Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohmad Salleh said it was the biggest haul for this year.
He said a trained chemist was among the suspects, but declined to elaborate.
The syndicate had used Johor as its production centre and smuggled out their products to East Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
He added Johor, Penang and Selangor are three illegal drug lab centres because of the high demand in these areas.
Police believe some members of the syndicate are still at large.
A total of 51,750 Ecstacy pills, 227.6kg of powder for processing drugs, 10.51g syabu and lab equipment were seized.