KOTA BARU: The Kelantan police believe they have crippled a drug smuggling syndicate following the arrest of three Thai nationals and the seizure of RM360,000 worth of drugs in two separate operations on Friday.
Acting on a tip-off, the police arrested two of the suspects, including a woman, when they inspected a Perodua Viva parked in an area in Kampung Gaung in Pasir Mas near here.
State police chief Datuk Muhammad Zaki Harun said the police found 31,739g of compressed cannabis when they inspected the car during the 2.30pm operation.
"Preliminary investigations showed the drugs were smuggled into the country for the local market and that it could supply to more than 31,000 drug addicts.
"The police have seized the drugs and the car, worth RM97,500, to facilitate the investigation into the case," he said, adding that both suspects did not have past records.
Zaki said the third suspect, who is a labourer, was arrested at an illegal jetty in Rantau Panjang at about 9.30pm.
Police also seized 18,000 methamphetamine pills worth about RM270,000 when they arrested the 26-year-old man.
"We believe that the pills could supply up to 18,000 local drug addicts," he said.
Zaki added that investigations showed all three suspects were from the same drug smuggling syndicate, which has been active operating along the Kelantan-Thai border for several months.
All suspects arrested during the operations have been remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation.