TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Malaysian police arrested 12 suspects, primarily Taiwanese nationals, in multiple raids targeting an international syndicate last week.

On Thursday, police conducted raids in Shah Alam and Balakong in Selangor and Kepong in Kuala Lumpur, according to Malaysia's China Press. The operation led to the seizure of drugs valued at approximately 118 million Malaysian ringgit (NT$860 million), 15 handguns, one submachine gun, and 900 rounds of ammunition.

Authorities said the firearms and ammunition had been smuggled from Myanmar by an intermediary hired by one of the suspects. Five luxury cars, a forklift, and drug manufacturing equipment were also confiscated.

At a press conference on Sunday, Selangor police stated that 10 Taiwanese men, one Malaysian man, and one Thai woman, aged between 20 and 50, were arrested in connection with the syndicate. The suspects reportedly took on roles such as “chemist,” “runner,” and “coordinator” for the operation. Six of the Taiwanese suspects had prior criminal records for drug offenses, murder, or fraud.

The police disclosed that the syndicate, predominantly composed of Taiwanese nationals, rented a factory for 60,000 Malaysian ringgit to manufacture drugs, including ecstasy, Erimin 5, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and heroin. These drugs were allegedly intended for smuggling to Japan and Cambodia, where they could yield significant profits.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the suspects’ motives for smuggling drugs and firearms into Malaysia and are working to apprehend additional fugitives linked to the case.