KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty-four suspected drug traffickers were nabbed following a special operation conducted in several locations in Terengganu and Kelantan, says the police.
The special operation, codenamed "Ops Penyu" also saw various drugs seized following raids in Dungun, Setiu and Besut in Terengganu as well as Pasir Puteh, Kelantan from March 6 to 12.
Bukit Aman Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) acting director Deputy Comm Mat Zani@Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali said the operation was focused on thwarting the smuggling of drugs across the borders located in Terengganu and Kelantan.
"We detained 24 individuals, believed to be drug traffickers during the operation.
"13 of them tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and morphine while 21 of them had prior criminal records," he said in a statement Saturday (March 15).
DCP Mat Zani said police also seized various drugs, including 2,411 Yaba pills, 100 erimin 5 pills, 26 ecstasy pills and 500g of ganja worth more than RM50,000.
"We believe the syndicate smuggled the drugs from the borders along the East Coast of the Peninsular before distributing it to local fishermen," he said.
The special operation has given a positive impact, striking fear in drug syndicates, especially traffickers, he said.
"We also received positive feedback from the people in the areas of operation.
"We are investigating further to uncover the extent of the syndicate and its members who are still at large," he added.
DCP Mat Zani urged those with information on drug-related crimes to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.
"Cooperation from the public is vital in the war on drugs," he added.
