Malaysian police seize 77 kilograms of heroin

Antinarcotics' police from the capital Kuala Lumpur launched a raid on the gang Friday, resulting in the discovery of 77 kilograms of heroin believed to have been brought in from neighbouring countries to be sold locally, said national police chief Musa Hassan.

Police also seized a pistol with live ammunition as well as more than 700,000 ringgit (205,882 dollars) in cash, 14 luxury cars, other vehicles and two super bikes worth a total of 3 million ringgit (882,352 dollars), he said.

A total of 11 suspects, including two women, were detained in connection with the drug ring following four months of surveillance.

"We are looking for the mastermind behind the syndicate, which had been operating for the past two years. The police believe several members of the syndicate are still at large," Musa was quoted as saying by the official Bernama agency.

"Neighbouring countries were used as transits before the heroin was smuggled into our country," he said.

The suspects have been held under remand and will be charged for drug trafficking, which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

//(Deutsche Presse-Agentur/DPA)