Bukit Aman narcotics criminal investigation department (NCID) director Khaw Kok Chin said the raids were carried out on Wednesday, Bernama reported.

Khaw said those arrested were two Malaysians and 14 foreigners, including six women, aged between 22 and 52.

He said the syndicate’s mastermind – a 49-year-old foreign man – and five of the foreigners had arrest warrants in their home countries.

The seized drugs included ecstasy powder and pills, syabu, ketamine, erimin 5 pills and MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Chemicals for processing the drugs were also seized.

The drugs weighed 198.54kg and were enough for 1.24 million addicts, he told reporters at the Johor police contingent headquarters in Johor Bahru today.

Police also seized six vehicles, 14 watches and jewellery and RM204,069 and S$22,970 in cash.

Khaw said the syndicate, which had been active since January, rented condominiums and gated terrace houses with security guards to process and package the drugs before distributing them to neighbouring countries by land.

Some of the drugs were packed in juice containers and some were disguised as medicine, including painkillers.

Those arrested have been remanded for seven days until Wednesday.