Penang, Thai cops seize drugs worth over RM4m in joint operation

Police forces from Malaysia and Thailand have successfully dismantled a cross-border narcotics syndicate, seizing methamphetamine weighing 252.2kg and worth approximately RM4.73 million. This joint operation, dubbed Op Zoraptera, was prompted by an intelligence exchange following the arrest of a Malaysian man in Thailand, who was found to be in possession of 166kg of the drug.

Malaysian authorities subsequently conducted follow-up investigations, culminating in three raids in Selangor and Penang between August 13 and 14. During these raids, four suspects, aged between 19 and 25, were apprehended - three men and a Thai woman. The syndicate, which had been active since June of the previous year, used modified vehicles to transport the drugs across borders.

The Malaysian haul included 86.2kg of the drug, valued at RM4.31 million, while the Thai authorities seized another 166kg. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and cooperation between the two countries in combating drug trafficking. Three suspects were charged at Butterworth magistrates court under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries severe penalties including the death penalty or life imprisonment. The total value of the seized drugs and assets amounts to RM4.73 million.