Kota bharu: Police have busted a drug trafficking syndicate, with the arrest of a local couple last Friday, believed to be actively trafficking compressed ganja and ganja buds concealed in cashew nut packages, with total seizures valued at RM3.1 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated that the suspects, aged 31 and 49, were detained around 4 pm while traveling in a Proton X70 along Jalan Padang Sembilan, Kuala Krai. Their vehicle was reportedly driven in a suspicious manner, prompting the police to conduct an inspection.
The inspection led to the discovery of 110 plastic packages containing dried plant material believed to be ganja buds, weighing 60.8 kilogrammes, compressed ganja weighing 6.95 kilogrammes, and 150 yaba pills. Mohd Yusoff reported that the total drug haul in Kuala Krai alone amounted to 67.75 kilogrammes of ganja and 15 grams of yaba pills, with an estimated value of RM2.37 million.
Following the arrest, police raided the couple’s home in Selising, Pasir Puteh, the same day and seized an additional 22 kilogrammes of compressed ganja worth RM775,000. Cash, necklaces, and other jewellery were also seized during the raids at both locations, bringing the total value of the confiscated items to RM3.1 million.
Mohd Yusoff explained that initial investigations found the female suspect operates a processed chicken business, while her husband works as a p-hailing driver. The couple is believed to have been actively involved in drug trafficking for over a year, using their legitimate businesses as a front. He added that the syndicate is suspected to have an extensive network, serving as a major supplier, potentially even to overseas markets.
The male suspect tested positive for drugs, while the female tested negative. However, both have prior records related to narcotics offenses and have been remanded for seven days, from July 11, to assist in investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff indicated that police have not ruled out a connection between the recently busted drug syndicate and an international network, possibly linked to a June 27 seizure of 35.4 kilogrammes of yaba pills. This seizure was allegedly masterminded by a salon and restaurant owner. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts to track down remaining syndicate members continue.
On July 3, Bernama reported that police had dismantled a drug syndicate and seized RM5.04 million worth of yaba pills in six raids across Pasir Mas and Tumpat, resulting in the arrest of six local suspects, aged 25 to 39.