BALIK PULAU (Malaysia) - DRUG-PROCESSING laboratories have gone high-rise, with a dash of luxury.

A few months ago, a syndicate rented a luxury condominium unit in the Queensbay area near here, to double as a heroin-processing laboratory and avoid police detection.

But the ruse was not for long.

The police got wind of the high-flying drug traffickers and their high-rise drug laboratory and swung into action.

Yesterday, Penang's largest drug processing laboratory was unearthed when the police raided the condominium unit about 10am.

They seized 57kg of heroin, 150kg of caffeine and various chemical substances worth about RM3.5 million (S$1.4 million).

Also seized were four ovens, frying pan, stove, gas cylinder, various containers, a measurement scale, and food seasoning comprising fine and fruit salts believed to be used in the processing of the drug.

Police also found a Walther pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition in the unit. -- BERNAMA