Police Bust RM33.4 Million Cannabis Distribution Ring, 12 Arrested

SHAH ALAM, Sept 23 – Selangor police have crippled a major drug distribution network involved in smuggling high-grade cannabis buds valued at RM33.4 million, following a series of coordinated operations in Sepang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar confirmed that the raids, executed by the Selangor Narcotics Crime Investigation Department between Aug 28 and Sept 21, led to the arrest of 12 suspects. The detainees comprise one Malaysian man acting as a local runner, along with four foreign men and seven foreign women.

During the operations, police seized 671 packages containing 418 kilograms of cannabis buds.

Addressing a press conference, Shazeli revealed that foreign drug mules were lured from their home countries with promises of employment opportunities and free vacation packages. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the individuals were instructed to transport luggage packed with hidden narcotics.

“The local suspect is believed to have acted as a ‘runner’ responsible for supplying drugs to the drug mules. We also believe he has been involved in this criminal activity since early 2026, and all the suspects are from separate syndicates,” Shazeli explained.

All foreign suspects entered Malaysia using social visit passes and had no prior criminal records in the country.

In addition to the drug seizure, police confiscated assets worth RM37,700, including two vehicles and foreign currencies.

To date, six suspects have been charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952—which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction—while the remaining six suspects remain under investigation.

–NMT