KUALA LUMPUR: Police smashed a drug syndicate, seizing 239kg of syabu worth a staggering RM36 million in a series of raids in Perak and Selangor yesterday.
Operatives from the federal police Narcotics Department and its Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (Sting) also arrested 10 Malaysians, including a chemist, in the raids.
The raids were conducted at a store in Hutan Melintang, Perak and two drug processing labs in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the syndicate, which had been active for several months, smuggled in the raw materials from India.
"Initial investigation revealed that suspects smuggled the raw materials from India to the store in Hutan Melintang.
"From Hutan Melintang, they transported the drugs to two labs in Shah Alam," said Khalid in a media conference at the Federal police headquarters.
Khalid said that 239kg of syabu was enough to supply 12 million junkies. Police believe the supply was meant for the local market.
Police also seized RM2.839 million in cash, 78,000 Rupees (RM4,600), a Luger pistol and a magazine, 38 9mm bullets, jewelry, 12 cars of various models, and two motorcycles.
All suspects are remanded until Tuesday. The case is investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.