GEORGE TOWN: Police foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 12 metric tonnes of cocaine worth RM2.4 billion into the country recently, making it the largest drug haul in the country’s history.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said the cocaine smuggling activity was believed to have been masterminded by a drug cartel from South America.
He said the syndicate employed a sophisticated technology to camouflage their illegal activity through the mixing of cocaine into 60 tonnes of coals, the first of such tactic detected by the authorities.
He added that the syndicate used Malaysia as a transit hub before sending the drugs to other countries.
“We have identified that the international syndicate came from South America.
“The syndicate employed a sophisticated technology that our highly-trained K-9 units were no able to detect the drugs.
“We had to engage the Chemistry Department for assistance, which took them about three days to confirm the presence of cocaine,” he told a press conference here today.
Present were Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd and state police chief Datuk T. Narenasagaran.
Elaborating, Abdul Hamid said the coal-laced cocaine were found in 60 gunny sacks placed inside three containers at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) on Sept 10.
The containers, declared as coal and originated from Latin America, have been at the port since Aug 16.
He said police also detained a local 29-year-old man to assist in the investigations.
“The man was tested positive for methamphetamine. We believe he may be involved in the handling of the containers,” he said.
Police also conducted raids in Bayan Baru and Padang Serai, Kedah in the Op Eagle operation.
The suspect has been remanded until Sept 23 under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952.
Abdul Hamid said the cocaine could fetch RM200,000 per kg in the market.
“Cocaine is not like other drugs that were found here. It has a market commonly found in developed countries.”
Abdul Hamid said police would intensify efforts to fight drug smuggling activities by both international and local drug syndicates.
“We will work closely with other law enforcement agencies to fight the drug menace.
“On Oct 15, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to chair a major meeting on drugs. There, we will present our findings and recommendations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid said between Jan 1 and Sept 12, police had arrested 130,928 people for their involvement in drugs, including 10,000 foreigners.
Police also seized more than 5,000kg of syabu, ketamine, Eramin 5, Yabba and Ecstacy, and more than one tonne of ganja and heroin, all of which worth RM285.92 million at the same period.
Police also seized properties worth RM57.16 million.