Selangor: Selangor police busted six large drug trafficking syndicates after seizing illicit drugs worth RM31.53 million in separate raids across the state and Kuala Lumpur.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar stated that 14 individuals, including three local men, two local women, and nine foreign nationals aged between 20 and 39, were apprehended during seven operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) terminals, Segambut, Kajang, and Sepang between August 19 and 26.
Police confiscated 135.4 kilogrammes of cannabis florets, 2,325 plastic packets containing powder believed to be Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) weighing 117.54kg, 14 plastic packets containing ecstasy pills weighing 4.94kg, and 320 aluminium foil packets containing Erimin 5 pills weighing 1.019kg. Additional seizures included 22 bottles and 118 cartridges containing liquid MDMA weighing 17.6 grammes, a plastic packet of ketamine powder weighing 444g, and five machines believed to be drug packaging equipment, bringing the total value to RM31.53 million.
Shazeli also reported the confiscation of five vehicles, including a Honda CR-V, Honda City, Nissan Teana, Mazda 6, and Proton Saga, along with RM3,879 in cash, four gold-coloured necklaces, and a Hermes handbag, with the seized assets valued at RM172,069.
The seized drugs had the potential to supply 912,876 addicts at one time, based on an estimated usage of 0.3g per person. Investigations revealed that three of the syndicates functioned as drug mules, while the other three were involved in drug distribution over the past six months.
Discussing the modus operandi of the foreign drug mules, Shazeli noted that the suspects were believed to have received payments between RM2,000 and RM3,000, or paid in their country's currencies, for each successful delivery. These arrests and seizures highlight the presence of a well-organized, high-value distribution network that poses a threat to public safety.
Background checks showed one suspect had two previous criminal records, and travel document inspections found five foreign suspects had overstayed. Eleven suspects have been charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, while another is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.
The involvement of foreign nationals as drug mules remains a key focus for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) as they enhance security at all major national entry points, particularly airports. The public is urged to avoid becoming drug mules by carrying unknown items for others, as it carries severe legal consequences.