KUALA LUMPUR - The Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) has successfully crippled a drug trafficking syndicate and seized 287kg of methamphetamine worth RM10.3 million.
NCID director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay also revealed that four suspects aged 25 to 29 years old were arrested as a result of four raids in Selangor and Johor last Friday (April 22).
The suspects, believed to be involved in the smuggling and distribution of methamphetamine for local and international markets, had a modus operandi of smuggling in drugs from neighbouring countries using sea vessels.
The drugs are then transported to Klang Valley before being smuggled out by sea once again to be exported to Indonesia.
"The number of drugs seized can be used by a total of 1,434,630 drug addicts in the country.
"We believe the drugs are to be sold in the states of Selangor and Johor and then to neighbouring countries such as Indonesia,” he told reporters at a press conference today.
The case is being investigated under section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and possible property or assets seizure will be taken under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988.
All suspects have been remanded for five to seven days starting from April 23.
"All four have been tested negative for drugs and three of them have had criminal records in the past,” he added.
A total of RM173,000 worth of syndicate assets have been seized, including three cars valued at RM168,000 and cash amounting to RM5,000.
The syndicate had been active since January of this year, said Ayob Khan.