KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty-four suspected drug traffickers were arrested in a special operation in Terengganu and Kelantan.
The operation, codenamed Ops Penyu, led to multiple drug seizures during raids in Dungun, Setiu and Besut in Terengganu, as well as Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, between March 6 and 12.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) acting director Deputy Comm Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali (pic) said the operation was focused on thwarting drug smuggling along the border of Terengganu and Kelantan.
“We detained 24 individuals believed to be drug traffickers. Thirteen of them tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and morphine, while 21 had criminal records,” he said in a statement.
Police 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 these drugs across the border along the East Coast of the peninsula before distributing them to local fishermen,” he said.
He noted that the operation had a positive impact, striking fear into drug syndicates, particularly traffickers.
“We also received positive feedback from people in the affected areas.
“We are investigating further to uncover the full extent of the syndicate and track down members still at large,” he added.
DCP Mat Zani urged those with information on drug-related activities to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.
