SHAH ALAM: Police have uncovered an illegal drug-processing lab used to produce narcotics-laced vape liquids, seizing drugs worth RM21.85 million in two separate raids on condominium units in Ampang on June 25.

Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the first raid led to the arrest of four people, including three foreigners, along with the confiscation of various drugs and vape processing equipment.

"A search of the premises uncovered seven vape cartridges suspected to contain cocaine (about 57 grams), 2.7 kilograms (kg) of suspected powdered cocaine and 124.6 kg of liquid believed to contain MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine)," he said during a press conference at the Selangor Police Headquarters today.

The second raid, conducted the same day at a different condominium unit, resulted in the seizure of 41 grams of dried cannabis, 140 grams of MDMA-laced vape liquid and 56 grams of suspected powdered cocaine.

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Hussein said a 28-year-old foreign man was arrested in the second operation and subsequently tested positive for morphine during a urine test.

Initial investigations revealed that one of the foreign suspects acted as the chemist, while the others served as runners and assistants. The syndicate is believed to have been active since October 2024.

Background checks showed that two of the foreign male suspects detained in the first raid had prior criminal records, including document forgery, criminal intimidation, fraud, drug-related offences, public disorder and assault.

The syndicate's modus operandi involved renting two condominium units, each at RM6,000 per month, which were converted into laboratories to process drug-infused vape liquids for distribution to both local and international markets, Hussein said.

He added that the group's estimated monthly profit from the operation was around RM200,000.

Police also seized vehicles, local and foreign currencies, laptops, jewellery and branded watches, bringing the total value of seizures and confiscated assets to RM21.9 million.

All suspects have been remanded for seven days from June 26 to assist investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for the mandatory death penalty upon conviction. - BERNAMA