Cops seize RM2.2mil in Johor drug bust

JOHOR BARU: Police have crippled a drug distribution syndicate here, seizing RM2.2mil worth of illicit substances in two separate raids and arresting four.

Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar said that the raids were conducted on Tuesday (April 2) from 1.30pm until 9pm at two separate houses in Johor Baru and Seri Alam.

“The three suspects are aged between 32 and 51 and were arrested at a double-story house in Bandar Jaya Putra; also arrested was a foreign woman aged 32.

“A follow-up interrogation on one of the male suspects then led to another raid of a double-story house in Seri Alam, where we found drugs and items used to repackage the drugs into smaller packets,” he said.

He said this during a press conference at the Johor police headquarters here on Sunday (April 7).

Comm Kumar explained that the group's modus operandi is to purchase drugs from other states and process the drugs into smaller packets disguised as powdered juice drinks that are then sold in the local entertainment centres.

“In total, we have managed to confiscate 13.2 kg of ecstasy powder stored inside 345 packets and three containers worth RM2.2mil, 10g of ecstasy pills worth RM1,670, 1.2g of ketamine worth RM240, and 24.7g of syabu worth RM2,717.

“If processed, all of these drugs can be consumed by 44,348 addicts,” he said, adding that each packet of ‘juice’ is sold for more than RM200.

Comm Kumar added that the police have also confiscated a car worth RM110,000, a motorcycle worth RM5,000, a gold ring worth RM1,206, and cash worth RM5,300.

He also shared that the group has been active since January.

“All of the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine, and background checks on the two male suspects revealed that both of them have priors involving drugs and crime.

“We are also currently investigating the owner of this house, which has been used as a store and repacking centre; we are also looking out for any other members of this syndicate,” he said, adding that all of the suspects are currently under remand from April 3 until April 9.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act for drug trafficking

Meanwhile, Comm Kumar informed that the Johor Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) has arrested 6,992 people for various drug offences from January until April 3 this year.

The department has also managed to confiscate 1.6 tonnes of drugs worth RM10.6mil, and belongings worth RM4.7mil in the same period.