Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID) director Razarudin Husain said police discovered such tactics after smashing 31 labs used to manufacture drugs from the start of the MCO up to July this year.

Razarudin was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia that police came to know of the existence of the jungle drug labs after a raid in Tapah, Perak, in November.

He said they found the lab was set up in an open area under a tent to process methamphetamine, also known as syabu.

“It is believed the syndicate was making the drugs for distribution to the Klang Valley area.

“This is because they know that roadblocks and police checks are only carried out at state boundaries, along roads and highways, and not in the jungle,” he said.

Razarudin said syndicates were also using private residences and shophouses for drug-processing.

He added 20 of the 31 labs were detected last year while the rest were raided between January and July this year.

He said 12 were found in Penang, five in Selangor, four each in Kuala Lumpur and Johor, three in Perak, two in Kedah and one in Melaka.

“In addition, 127 people were arrested, 71 in 2020 and 58 so far this year.

“This included 17 chemists. The rest were runners and transporters, among others,” Razarudin said.