Kuala lumpur: Police crippled a drug trafficking syndicate after seizing 204 kilogrammes (kg) of syabu worth RM6.5 million in a raid on a premises in Pasir Mas on Aug 25. Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said that in the 7 pm to 10 pm operation, a man in his 20s was arrested in some bushes near the premises.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, upon further inspection, police found five sacks containing 125 plastic packets labelled 'Jin Xuan Tea' and two more sacks filled with plastic packets labelled as 'Number One', all containing syabu and hidden in nearby undergrowth.

Preliminary investigations found that the man acts as the syndicate's transporter, delivering the drug supply from Kampung Terusan by boat before it is unloaded and hidden in the nearby undergrowth for other syndicate members to pick up for distribution. The syndicate's modus operandi is using illegal bases and making Pasir Mas the transit point before the supply is distributed in the Klang Valley, Hussein told a media conference at the Kelantan Police Headquarters.

Hussein said the suspect, a sundry shop owner, also tested positive for methamphetamine and has prior records related to drugs and crime. The suspect has been remanded for 14 days until Sept 8 under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Police also seized two vehicles - a Proton Persona and a Ford Econovan - RM15,700 in cash and RM708 held in bank accounts.

The sundry shop, suspected to have been used as a cover-up for drug operations, was also seized. Authorities are tracking down several other syndicate members. Intelligence gathering on this case was carried out for a month, and Kelantan continues to be used as a main transit for drug smuggling syndicates through the country's borders.

The NCID remains committed to combating drugs. Those with information can contact the NCID hotline at 012-2087222.