Selangor, El Sky News — Malaysian police have successfully broken up the largest international drug syndicate ever uncovered in the country, confiscating an estimated 6.2 tonnes of narcotics with a street value of RM1.04 billion (about US$230 million) in a major operation that dealt a significant blow to global drug trafficking networks.
The raid was part of Operation Gaharu 2.0, a coordinated two‑phase enforcement effort led by the Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) to dismantle the syndicate that had been operating since early 2025, using Malaysia as a processing hub before distributing illicit drugs to overseas markets, including Hong Kong and Australia.
Major Seizures and Raids
The latest phase of the campaign culminated on 21 December 2025, when police raided several locations in Taman Industri Selasa Jaya, Seri Kembangan, and Taman Perindustrian Kepong. Law enforcement officers recovered:
- 5,983 kg of liquid and 207 kg of powder suspected to be MDMA (ecstasy)
- 20 kg of powder suspected to be cocaine
- 1.25 kg of powder believed to be ketamine
- Various drug‑processing equipment and chemicals used in large‑scale production
These narcotics enough to potentially supply drugs to an estimated 20.7 million users together have a combined street value of approximately RM1.04 billion.
Police believe the syndicate maintained 14 factory units and 10 residential properties across the Klang Valley area that were converted into production laboratories and storage facilities, with rental costs averaging between RM6,000 and RM10,000 per month.
Syndicate Structure and Activities
Investigations have revealed that the syndicate used imported precursor chemicals from abroad and employed chemists and local contacts to manufacture and distribute the drugs. The organization reportedly had more than 12 members, including its mastermind who is still at large.
According to NCID Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the syndicate’s structure was highly sophisticated, indicating long‑term planning and international connections. Police are now seeking cooperation from foreign authorities and Interpol to capture the remaining members, including the syndicate’s leader.
Arrests and Additional Investigations
Prior to the 21 December raids, an earlier phase of the operation had resulted in the arrest of six suspects including three women on 16 December 2025. Many of those detained are believed to have played key roles in the syndicate’s operations across several states.
In addition to drug production and distribution, one of the premises raided in Kajang was found to be used as a scam call centre. Fourteen individuals were arrested in connection with this fraudulent operation, which is now being investigated separately by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID).
National and International Impact
The scale of the drug seizure one of the largest in Malaysia’s history underscores both the serious threat posed by international narcotics syndicates and the capability of Malaysian law enforcement agencies to counter transnational crime. Analysts say the operation may disrupt drug distribution networks extending across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Police have urged members of the public to assist authorities with any information related to drug trafficking activities, emphasizing that drug syndicates contribute to social problems and public safety concerns nationwide.
(Lunar)
