Police Narcotics Bureau officers have smashed a psychotropic substance manufacturing syndicate in Hung Hom and seized suspected ecstasy and raw materials worth about $34 million.

Officers laid an ambush near an industrial building at No.2G Hok Yuen Street yesterday afternoon.

The officers first stopped a 45-year-old man as he was leaving a warehouse.

Police then searched the warehouse and seized 23,400 suspected ecstasy tablets and 35 kilograms of raw substances for producing ecstasy.

They estimate that the raw material could produce about 300,000 ecstasy tablets, worth an estimated $34 million if sold in the retail market.

Police also seized a tablet producing machine and manufacturing equipment.

Two other men, aged 29 and 32, were also arrested inside the warehouse. During the operation, they also arrested a 37-year-old man who visited the premises.

Initial enquiries revealed that the warehouse had been used as a manufacturing and distributing centre for the illicit drugs.

Police believe the drugs were to be distributed in both local and overseas markets.

The four men have been charged with one count of manufacturing dangerous drug. They will appear in the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on July 25.