SEREMBAN: Police have dismantled a major drug syndicate and seized more than 180kg of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in various forms worth an estimated RM27.5mil from a rented house near here.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the premises had been converted into a mini-lab to process drugs for the local and international markets.
He said a 52-year-old wanted suspect, believed to be the syndicate’s kingpin and considered highly dangerous, was killed in a shootout with police during the operation at about 1.30pm on Sunday (Sept 6).
“During the raid, the suspect acted aggressively and opened fire at the Bukit Aman raiding team.
“The police were forced to return fire in self-defence.
“Shortly after, the suspect was found unresponsive and was subsequently pronounced dead by a medical team,” he told reporters at the Seremban district police headquarters.
Comm Hussein said a further inspection of the premises uncovered 104.8kg of suspected MDMA powder, 64.4kg of liquid MDMA, 7.9kg of MDMA pills and 5.2kg of MDMA crystals, along with various drug-processing equipment.
In subsequent raids, police detained two more suspects, aged 32 and 35, in Seremban and Kuala Lumpur.
Urine tests on both suspects, including a woman, returned positive for drugs.
Police also seized a revolver and three vehicles.
Comm Hussein said the syndicate was believed to have been active since January this year.
He said the dead suspect and the two detainees had various previous criminal records.
The alleged syndicate leader, who had been involved in criminal activities since the 1990s, had six drug-related records under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234).
He was also being investigated under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961 (Act 365).
The woman had 12 previous records, including for theft and drug-related offences, while the other suspect had 10, including for criminal intimidation and drug offences.
“The modus operandi of the syndicate was to operate in a low-density area to avoid the police dragnet.
“This operation represents a major breakthrough for law enforcement, successfully busting a massive, highly organised drug manufacturing ring and cutting off trafficking routes to both local and global markets,” he said.
Comm Hussein said the seized drugs were enough to supply about 404,000 doses.
Police have obtained orders to remand the two suspects until Sunday.
Comm Hussein said police believed several other syndicate members had fled to avoid arrest.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and whipping, as well as Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.
