{
  "id": 8337265,
  "title": "Drug and scam syndicates busted, goldsmith hit a second time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/drug-and-scam-syndicates-busted-goldsmith-hit-a-second-time",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T00:00:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nst-special/2026/09/1535864/drug-and-scam-syndicates-busted-goldsmith-hit-second-time"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Over the past week, numerous high-profile criminal operations were thwarted by Malaysian law enforcement agencies. A massive drug laboratory worth an estimated RM2.4 billion was dismantled in Johor, with several suspects, including the mastermind, believed to be in custody. Simultaneously, Indonesian authorities arrested thirty Malaysians accused of running an online scam syndicate targeting fellow countrymen.\n\nMeanwhile, in Malaysia, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) continued its investigation into delayed fertilizer distribution to paddy farmers in Kedah. This led to the arrest of the managing director of a fertiliser supplier company, who was later remanded for four days. The investigation is focused on the supply and distribution of compound fertilizer known as Baja 3.\n\nIn Kuala Lumpur, authorities conducted a large-scale operation in Lebuh Pudu, detaining 472 foreigners suspected of immigration offences. This operation resulted in clashes between the detained individuals and law enforcement personnel, and several premises were found to be operating illegally, selling and storing unauthorised medicines.\n\nFinally, the Immigration Department disrupted a syndicate involved in producing and supplying fraudulent e-PLKS passes to foreigners. Eleven Bangladeshi nationals were among those detained, accused of supplying fake employment passes to foreigners. The agency is actively pursuing other individuals suspected to be connected with this syndicate.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Major drug and scam syndicates, a corruption probe involving fertiliser supplies and a massive immigration crackdown were among the cases that kept enforcement agencies busy nationwide over the past week.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian law enforcement dismantles RM2.4 billion drug lab in Johor",
    "Indonesian authorities arrest 30 Malaysians in online scam syndicate",
    "MACC investigates fertilizer supplier's delayed distribution in Kedah"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The coordinated crackdowns by Malaysian law enforcement agencies signal a concerted effort to tackle organised crime, targeting syndicates that have been evading authorities and exploiting loopholes in the system.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}