KOTA KINABALU: Police said they have crippled what is believed to be the largest international drug syndicate operating in Sabah in the past decade, seizing more than three tonnes of narcotics worth RM174 million under Op Coleoptera.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the integrated operation, led by Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department with the cooperation of several enforcement agencies, resulted in the seizure of six containers at Sepanggar Bay Port and Port Klang and the arrest of eight suspects aged between 23 and 45.
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He said the syndicate is believed to have been active for several years, using sea routes across the South China Sea to transport drugs concealed in containers before distribution to international markets.
The first raid on Jan 20 at a house in Taman Landmark Phase 2, Penampang, led to the arrest of two local men and the seizure of 548kg of compressed methamphetamine and 31kg of ecstasy pills, followed by further arrests and seizures in Penampang, Inanam, Port Klang and Sepanggar Bay Port, with subsequent operations uncovering more than 3,000kg of methamphetamine, over 100kg of ketamine, 90kg of ecstasy pills and smaller quantities of suspected cocaine-laced vape liquid and Erimin 5.
Four suspects have been charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, one detained under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, two released on bond as prosecution witnesses, and assets worth about RM1 million seized under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, while Mohd Khalid described drug trafficking as a serious threat to national security and social stability and urged public support in combating narcotics crimes.
