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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
The stench of goat dung may mask a hidden drug trade near Thai border
KOTA BARU: The scent of goat dung is proving more than just unpleasant—it's becoming a smokescreen for drug traffickers operating near the Malaysia-Thailand border. Thai authorities say Kelantan-based syndicates are now mimicking a long-used tactic by regional smugglers: burying narcotics under piles of animal waste to evade detection by sight and scent. "This method is used to avoid detection by enforcement agencies. "Authorities in the neighbouring country have been aware of this tactic for several years and have successfully foiled several attempts involving it," the source said. One such case involved a syndicate that hid methamphetamine pills known locally as 'pil kuda', under goat dung. "The drugs were first wrapped in plastic and then buried underground before being covered with animal waste to mask their presence," the sources told New Straits Times. It is understood that local syndicates in Kelantan have begun to emulate this technique, particularly those operating near the Malaysia-Thailand border. The tactic, while unconventional, provides traffickers with a strategic advantage by making the drugs harder to detect visually or through scent especially when using livestock pens as camouflage. It is learnt that authorities in Kelantan especially the police, are now on high alert, with cross-border intelligence sharing being strengthened to monitor and intercept such smuggling methods. Investigations are ongoing to identify individuals and groups who may be replicating these tactics. It was reported that police have crippled a major drug syndicate distributing methamphetamine pills with the seizure of more than 35.4kg of the drug worth RM5.04 million in six raids in Pasir Mas and Tumpat recently. Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department acting director Deputy Commissioner Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che said five men and a woman were arrested in the raids. He said some 20kg of pills were found in a cattle shed.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Police cripple drug syndicate, seize 35.4kg of methamphetamine pills
PASIR MAS: Police have crippled a major drug syndicate distributing methamphetamine pills with the seizure of more than 35.4kg of the drug worth RM5.04 million in six raids here and in Tumpat last Friday. Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department acting director Deputy Commissioner Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che said five men and a woman were arrested in the raids. He said the operation was the result of a year-long investigation. In the first raid, he said police stopped a car in Jalan Gajah Mati, Banggol Chica here. "A 34-year-old male suspect was detained and police found 115gm of 'pil kuda'. Another 112gm of the drug was found at his home. Upon further inspection behind the house, 20kg of pills were found in a cattle shed," he told a press conference here today. Mat Zani said in a simultaneous operation, police detained another male suspect with 15.4kg of the pills in his car. "Follow-up raids on several houses in Pasir Mas and Tumpat led to the arrest of three more suspects, including a woman believed to be the wife of the first suspect." He believed that proceeds from the drug sales were to be used to finance businesses including a seafood restaurant in Tanah Merah, a beauty salon and an online business. "The 'pil kuda', targeting students and youths, were intended for distribution in areas such as the Klang Valley and Johor Baru. "The amount seized could have supplied an estimated 177,465 users." He said the syndicate used cattle farms as storage facilities for the pills. Police also confiscated jewellery, branded handbags and luxury vehicles with a combined value exceeding RM1.1 million. "This syndicate was believed to have been active since 2022." Mat Zani said two suspects had prior criminal records, including for drug-related offences. "The suspects, aged between 25 and 39, have been remanded for seven days," he added.
