Bukit Aman narcotics criminal investigation department (NCID) acting director Mat Zani @ Salahuddin Che Ali said his team also confiscated a Sig Sauer pistol, two empty magazines, and three pairs of handcuffs.
“Acting on intelligence and other information, Bukit Aman police launched an operation and intercepted a Honda CRV, driven by a 46-year-old local man, at the Sungai Dua Toll Plaza, southbound, at 9.20am.
“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of seven gunny sacks filled with cannabis,” he said at a press conference at the Seberang Perai Utara police headquarters (IPD) today.
“Further inspection uncovered 146 compressed blocks of cannabis, weighing 146.59kg, and five packets of cannabis buds, weighing 1.075kg, all valued at RM500,000. The illicit substances were found in the boot and rear seat of the vehicle.”
According to Mat Zani, the driver was nabbed by his men despite attempts to evade arrest by ramming into a police vehicle.
He said police then arrested a second man, aged 24, after intercepting a Toyota Altis in the Juru Toll Plaza area, at 9.25am, also southbound.
He is believed to be a member of the same drug smuggling and trafficking syndicate.
Mat Zani said investigations found that the second suspect acted as a ‘sweeper’, monitoring the route to ensure a clear passage for the vehicle transporting the cannabis. Arrested 18km apart, he was the lookout for the smuggling operation.
The seized pistol, handcuffs, and magazines were smuggled along with the cannabis, which was sourced from an international drug syndicate. This operation marked the largest seizure to date, with the high-quality cannabis buds – priced at RM30,000 per kg – being significantly more expensive than compressed cannabis, which costs RM3,000 per kg.
He added that the seized cannabis was smuggled from Thailand, and was on its way to the Klang Valley for distribution, with the syndicate also active in northern states, particularly Kedah. The syndicate, active since early this year, uses rented vehicles to avoid detection during drug trafficking activities.
The two suspects, both lorry drivers, were paid RM4,000 per successful trip. Police seized RM5,710 in cash, a Toyota Altis, and jewellery worth RM116,970.
He said that the 46-year-old suspect tested positive for cannabis, and both men have drug and criminal records. They are currently under a seven-day remand, until March 22, to assist with the investigation and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.