Latest news with #RM5.04
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Police tracking Kelantan drug syndicate members after RM5mil seizure
KOTA BARU: Kelantan police believe the drug syndicate they recently crippled, involving the seizure of 35.4kg of drugs worth over RM5 million, has links to international drug networks. State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, however, said investigations into the case are still ongoing. Yusoff also gave his assurance that the police would continue to track down the remaining members of the syndicate. "We believe several members of the group are still operating within the state, particularly in districts bordering a neighbouring country. "We will hunt down everyone involved, regardless of who they are. "If they are connected to drugs, we will not spare them," he told reporters here today. He added that efforts are underway to identify those still at large, including individuals suspected of abetting or protecting the syndicate's operations. Last week, police 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.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- 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
04-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Remand extended for influencer, 5 others linked to Kelantan drug bust
PASIR MAS: Police today obtained a seven-day remand extension for a 34-year-old Kelantan influencer and five others to assist in investigations into the seizure of 35.4kg of drugs worth more than RM5 million. The remand order, which ends on July 11, was issued by the Pasir Mas Magistrate's Court. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusof Mamat said the order also applied to the woman's 35-year-old husband and four other suspects. The extended remand takes effect tomorrow. He said the initial remand for all six suspects began on June 28 and ended today. The suspects were arrested in a special operation jointly carried out by Bukit Aman's Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and the Kelantan police contingent. Yesterday, police announced they had crippled a major drug syndicate involved in distributing methamphetamine pills, with the seizure of 35.4kg of the drug worth RM5.04 million during six raids in Pasir Mas and Tumpat. Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department acting director Deputy Commissioner Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che said five men and a woman were detained in the operation, which was the result of a year-long investigation. He said the proceeds from drug sales were believed to be used to finance several businesses, including a seafood restaurant in Tanah Merah, a beauty salon and an online business. Police believe the syndicate used cattle farms as storage facilities for the pills, and the amount seized could have supplied an estimated 177,465 users. Police also seized jewellery, branded handbags and luxury vehicles with a total value exceeding RM1.1 million. Mat Zain added that the syndicate was believed to have been active since 2022.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- The Sun
Five suspects in pil kuda trafficking case remanded until July 11
KOTA BHARU: The remand of five individuals, including a married couple, linked to a drug syndicate distributing 35.4 kilogrammes of pil kuda in Pasir Mas and Tumpat has been extended until July 11. The extension was granted by Magistrate Wan Ashrul Afham Azmi at the Pasir Mas Magistrate's Court today to facilitate further investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Police recently dismantled the syndicate, seizing pil kuda worth RM5.04 million in six raids across Pasir Mas and Tumpat. Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department acting director Datuk Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali stated that the drugs were likely intended for distribution in Kelantan, the Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru, with students and youths as primary targets. The syndicate reportedly used a cow shed as a storage facility before distributing the drugs locally.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- The Sun
Police uncover RM5m drugs hidden in cow dung in Kelantan raids
PASIR MAS: Police uncovered a major drug trafficking operation after discovering over 35.4 kilograms of 'pil kuda' concealed in a pile of cow dung during raids in Pasir Mas and Tumpat. The drugs, valued at RM5.04 million, were seized alongside luxury items worth RM1.1 million. Acting Director of Bukit Aman's Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN), Datuk Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali, confirmed the arrests of six suspects, including five men and one woman aged 25 to 39. The syndicate, active since 2022, allegedly targeted school students and teenagers in Kelantan, Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru. The breakthrough came after a year-long intelligence operation. Police first intercepted a Perodua Axia on Jalan Gajah Mati, Banggol Chica, finding 115 grams of 'pil kuda'. A subsequent search at the suspect's home uncovered another 112 grams. Behind the house, officers discovered 20 kg of the drug hidden in a cattle shed beneath cow dung. Simultaneous raids led to the arrest of another suspect with 15.4 kg of 'pil kuda' in his Toyota Hilux. Further operations in Pasir Mas and Tumpat netted three more individuals, including the wife of the primary suspect. Authorities believe the syndicate laundered drug profits through businesses like a seafood restaurant, salon, and online ventures. All suspects tested negative for drugs in initial screenings, though two had prior drug-related records. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, with suspects remanded for seven days. Mat Zani stated that the syndicate used the cattle shed as a storage hub before distributing the drugs. Police remain vigilant in curbing drug abuse, particularly in Kelantan, a high-risk border state. - Bernama
