KOTA BARU: The state police believed that they had crippled a drug trafficking syndicate with the seizure of about RM49.17 million worth of Yaba pills and heroin here on Oct 7.
It was the force's biggest drug haul this year.
Federal Narcotic Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin said a 32-year-old man believed to be a runner for the syndicate was also arrested in the operation.
He said a Kelantan Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department team conducted the operation at Jalan Pasir Mas—Salor.
Acting on intelligence gathered, the team raided a house at the location at about 9.05pm, he said.
"After checking the house, they found 652.4kg Yaba pills and 2.6kg heroin, both worth RM49.17 million.
"The team arrested a 32-year-old man who was inside the house.
"The suspect has a prior record of two drug offences," he told a Press conference at state police headquarters here today.
During the operation, Khaw said police sealed the properties; and seized two cars and a motorcycle worth about RM61,000.
The pills and heroin seized could supply 6.78 milion drug users.
"Initial investigation showed that the suspect received about RM100 to deliver 100 pills to buyers.
"Modus operandi for this syndicate is to use the premises as a store to keep the drugs before distributing them to local markets, especially in the East Coast states.
"This syndicate is believed to have started active in the activities in June this year, and the drugs were believed to be smuggled from Thailand," he added.
Khaw said the suspect who tested positive for Benzo type of drug, has been remanded to assist police's investigation into the case.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The offence carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.