Business, markets and economy news from Malaysia.
Malaysia's Home Ministry is stepping up enforcement against synthetic drugs including fentanyl and psychoactive pills, with over 238,000 arrests recorded since 2023. The government plans legislative amendments to combat emerging threats.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin has convened emergency talks with narcotics and airport authorities following two drug smuggling incidents involving Australia, threatening Thailand's regional aviation hub status and 2028 OECD membership target.
Thailand is implementing strict 'Zero Trust' airport security measures nationwide, requiring all aviation staff to undergo identical screening as passengers, following a Thai Airways attendant's drug trafficking arrest in Australia.
Malaysian police have dismantled a significant drug trafficking operation in Cheras, seizing narcotics valued at RM135.63 million and arresting seven suspects across three coordinated raids on June 20.
Thai police arrested 233 suspected drug traffickers in Narathiwat province during a month-long crackdown, with investigators believing some have links to Malaysian criminal networks involved in cross-border smuggling operations.
Police arrested 291 suspects across Malaysia in a coordinated drug enforcement operation, apprehending a gang leader claiming aristocratic status and seizing RM6.26 million worth of narcotics and related assets.
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested Rakitha Rajapakshe, son of a former justice minister, for allegedly negotiating a 500 million rupee bribe to secure the release of a major drug trafficker extradited from Madagascar.
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Perak police have dismantled a drug trafficking network, apprehending three individuals including a 17-year-old following an investigation into the distribution of ketamine and Erimin 5 tablets.
A private university student has been charged with trafficking cannabis buds worth RM1.17 million following a seizure at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex.
Malaysian authorities have dismantled a significant drug trafficking network operating through KLIA, confiscating 650kg of cannabis and apprehending 38 suspects including foreign nationals in coordinated enforcement operations.
Penang authorities have dismantled a significant drug manufacturing and supply network following a raid on a residential unit in Butterworth, resulting in the detention of two suspects and the confiscation of approximately RM9.7 million worth of controlled substances.
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Indonesian authorities have dismantled an international drug smuggling network, arresting four foreign nationals and seizing RM22.7 million worth of etomidate at Jakarta's main airport in three coordinated operations.
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Australian Federal Police have seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in the country's largest-ever drug haul, discovered in underground bunkers near Sydney. The seizure, valued at approximately A$816 million, highlights escalating cocaine trafficking into Australia.
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Two brothers in Terengganu have been arrested following a major drug trafficking operation uncovered in their Kampung Duyong Besar home. Police seized luxury vehicles and cannabis worth RM1.76 million.
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A British television actress has been charged in Sydney over her alleged involvement in a A$296 million methamphetamine trafficking operation. The case highlights Australia's ongoing struggles with transnational drug smuggling networks.
Authorities in Kedah have apprehended a private higher education student attempting to bring 14.63kg of cannabis buds valued at RM1.17 million across the border at Bukit Kayu Hitam.