KUALA LUMPUR: Drugs worth more than RM14mil were seized following a major operation in Langkawi and the Klang Valley involving 231 raids, says Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
The Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director said the raids were conducted over five days beginning April 10 in an operation codenamed Ops Langka.
“The raids were carried out at various locations identified as being involved in drug-related activities. The operation also led to the arrest of 191 individuals for various drug-related offences.
“All those detained are being investigated under several provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and related laws. Some were also identified as drug users and traffickers,” he said in a statement.
He said several key suspects in a Langkawi-based drug trafficking syndicate, allegedly masterminded by a police officer, were detained in the operation.
“We began intelligence gathering in January before carrying out the operation last month. The operation targeted several active drug distribution groups on the resort island.
“Detailed intelligence and investigations were conducted over several months, identifying key individuals involved in these groups,” he said, adding that the department believes there was indeed police involvement in the trafficking activities.
Action will be taken under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
Among the drugs seized were MDMA, ecstasy pills, Erimin 5, ketamine, 170kg of marijuana buds and 7kg of marijuana, worth more than RM14mil.
Comm Hussein also said the label “Langkawi’s Pablo Escobar 2.0” used in media reports was inaccurate, as the group did not operate on a massive scale, lacked international networks and did not possess extraordinary assets.
“We are committed to combating the drug menace to protect current and future generations. Drugs remain the nation’s number one enemy,” he said.
It was previously reported that police were investigating allegations of a drug syndicate in Langkawi allegedly masterminded by a police officer.
