SHAH ALAM: Police busted a heroin drug processing laboratory operating from a shophouse in Puchong, near here, and confiscated drugs worth RM8.09 million, last Monday.
Federal police Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Razarudin Husain said the mini-laboratory was among six locations raided simultaneously, including in Gombak, in a joint operation by Bukit Aman and Selangor NCID teams.
"In the raids between 12.10pm and 4.30pm, 10 local men aged between 22 and 42 were detained in the six locations.
"Preliminary investigations found that all the suspects are believed to be involved in the processing and distribution of heroin and ecstasy pills in the Klang Valley.
"As a result of the raid, police managed to seize a total of 19.7kg of heroin base, 43.1kg of heroin, 3.2kg of ecstasy pills and 110kg of MDMA powder with an estimated value of RM8.09 million," he told reporters at the state police headquarters.
Also present was Selangor police chief Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed.
Razarudin said investigations revealed that the drug supply was believed to have been brought into the country from a neighbouring nation and he was made to understand that the contraband originated from the Golden Triangle area.
He also said police took further action according to the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988 by seizing various syndicate assets estimated to be worth RM2.039 million.
"During the raid, police also confiscated the assets of the syndicate group comprising 10 vehicles, jewellery, shares, freezing of accounts and cash.
"The total value of the drug and other seizures totalled RM10,129,237.55.
"The raid and seizure operation saved about 1.8 million people from being caught up in drug addiction," he said.
He said initial screening also found one of the suspects was positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and ketamine.
"A review of criminal records found that eight suspects had previous criminal and drug records. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act and the suspects were remanded from five to 11 days starting Nov 23 to assist investigations.
"The NCID will continue to track down the remaining members of the syndicate involved to be brought to justice," he said.