PASIR MAS: In the biggest seizure this year, Kelantan police have seized about RM28.6 million worth of syabu in two separate operations held last night and today.
However, no one was arrested in the two operations carried out in Pasir Mas and Kuala Krai.
Following the seizure, the state police have detected a new modus operandi by drug smugglers – using courier service packages to evade detection.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said about RM17.8 million of the syabu were seized last night.
He said the seizure was made by members of the General Operations Force of the Ninth Battalion at Kampung Pohon Buluh.
"The syabu were found packed into several gunny sacks inside a Proton Wira Aeroback about 8.30pm.
"But no one was arrested in the operation. The syabu weighing about 495kg were wrapped with courier service packaging," he told a press conference.
Zaki said initial investigation showed that the syabu was for consumption of 4.9 million drug addicts.
In the second operation, he said police seized 300kg syabu worth about RM10.8 million.
"The seizure was made at Kampung Batu Balai near Kuala Krai about 7.15am. It was left abandoned inside a Proton Exora.
"The driver of the car escaped into a nearby oil palm estate. The drugs were also wrapped with packaging of another courier service company," he added.
Zaki said initial investigation showed that the syabu were smuggled into Kelantan via the neighbouring country.
"We suspect the drugs will be distributed to other states outside Kelantan," he said.
He added police have already identified the car owners and will arrest them soon.