18-7-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian authorities have successfully intercepted a substantial cocaine shipment and dismantled a sophisticated drug processing operation. The operation, carried out in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), resulted in the seizure of nearly 45kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of RM9 million ($1.9 million)
Bukit Aman Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Commissioner Datuk Khaw Kok Chin revealed the details of the operation at a press conference held at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters on Thursday. The bust, which took place on 16 July, involved coordinated raids on two apartments in the Cheras district of the Malaysian capital.
The first raid targeted an apartment on Jalan Cheras, where officers apprehended a married couple, both aged 41. According to Comm Khaw, the husband was identified as a drug courier, while his wife served dual roles as a chemist and storekeeper for the criminal enterprise. In this location, authorities discovered a staggering 44.93kg of cocaine alongside 52.5 litres of chemicals believed to be precursors for drug manufacture.
The success of the initial raid led investigators to a second apartment in Taman Kasturi, also in Cheras. Here, they arrested a 38-year-old man, another suspected courier for the drug syndicate. An additional kilogramme of chemical powder was seized at this location.
Comm Khaw emphasised the potential devastation averted by this operation, stating that the seized narcotics could have supplied approximately 225,000 drug users. He noted that the syndicate appeared to favour luxury apartments for storing and processing their illicit products, likely in an attempt to avoid suspicion.
Investigations suggest that the criminal network had been active since the beginning of the year. The commissioner revealed that the cocaine was primarily destined for overseas markets, with the syndicate utilising air transport for distribution.
In addition to the drug seizures, authorities confiscated assets belonging to the syndicate valued at RM202,086 (£34,000). These included three vehicles, jewellery, and high-end watches.
Comm Khaw praised the cooperation between the NCID and the US DEA, crediting the sharing of crucial intelligence for the operation’s success. He affirmed the NCID’s commitment to tracking down remaining members of the syndicate still at large.
When questioned about the potential destination of the drugs, Comm Khaw noted that investigations were ongoing. However, he suggested that cocaine’s relatively low popularity in Malaysia, due to its high price and consequent low demand, likely meant the shipment was bound for international markets. He revealed that cocaine commands a street value of RM200,000 per kilogramme in Malaysia.
