The raid saw the seizure of 44.93kg of cocaine, meant for foreign markets, estimated to be worth RM9 million.

Narcotics crime investigation department director Khaw Kok Chin said the raids were the result of cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Kosmo reported.

He said, among the three suspects were a married couple. The 41-year-old man acted as a runner, while the wife, also 41, took care of supplies and “cooked” the cocaine at their apartment.

“We also seized 52.5 litres of chemicals (used for cocaine production) in wine bottles.

“The apartment had been rented at RM2,350 a month for use as a store and cocaine-processing laboratory since February,” he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters today.

Khaw said police raided another apartment in Cheras and arrested a 38-year-old man, who also acted as a runner.

“In this raid, we seized 1kg of chemicals believed to be for processing cocaine.”

Khaw said the drugs seized in this operation were estimated to be able to supply 225,000 drug addicts.

“We also seized cash, jewellery, a vehicle and branded watches, all worth RM201,086,” he said.

Khaw said the group, active since early this year, would process cocaine in apartments in the city before flying them overseas.

“The third suspect tested positive in a urine test for ketamine use. He had eight previous convictions for drug-related offences.”

Khaw said police were on the trail of the group’s associates, who are still at large.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for trafficking, which is punishable if convicted with death, or life imprisonment and no less than 15 strokes of the rotan.