Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian police busted two drug syndicates believed to be helmed by Singaporeans with the seizure of drugs worth about 1.5 million ringgit (434,783 dollars) and the arrest of 13 suspects, news reports said Thursday.

Two raids conducted by police Tuesday night in the southern state of Johor resulted in the seizure of 26 kilograms of drugs, including ketamine; nimetazepam pills, also known as Erimin 5; methamphetamines; and ecstasy.

The suspects, including two accused Singaporean masterminds, were aged 20 to 66 and were believed to be part of the syndicates that have been in operation for the past six months, acting state police chief Hisan Tun Hamzah said.

The Star daily quoted Hisan as saying the drugs were believed to have been meant for the local and Singaporean market.

Police also seized eight vehicles worth 360,000 ringgit as well as 38,000 ringgit and 14,845 Singapore dollars (9,900 US dollars) in cash in the raids.

The suspects were held on remand and were to be charged with drug distribution and trafficking, which carry mandatory death sentences by hanging. (dpa)