KUALA LUMPUR: Two alleged drug smugglers were apprehended by Bukit Aman after an operation led to their capture at a restaurant near their drug storehouse.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) acting director Deputy Comm Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali announced at a press conference in Bukit Aman on Friday (April 18) that the raid took place on April 14 at around 5.30pm.
"The raid was the result of around two months of surveillance. The two suspects were caught at a restaurant in Bandar Baru Seri Petaling, and following their arrest, a second raid was conducted at a house in the same area," he said.
Checks in the house revealed that it had been converted into a drug storehouse, with 269 packets of drugs found inside.
A total of RM13.6mil in ketamine, syabu, and ecstasy were seized during the raid.
"It is believed that the drug syndicate used the rented house as a storehouse before distributing their wares to local and international markets.
It is also believed that the drugs were brought in from overseas via illegal sea routes," he said.
He added that the group's mastermind is still at large and is believed to be overseas in a neighbouring country.
Investigations showed that both suspects were seasoned criminals, with DCP Mohd Salahuddin noting that their rap sheet was "hardcore."
"They were paid according to the drugs delivered on a per kilogramme basis," he stated.
Both men, aged 42 and 43 years old, have been remanded until April 21.