IPOH: A 42-year-old lorry attendant has been nabbed for allegedly trafficking drugs in Meru.
Acting Perak police chief Deputy Comm Zulkafli Sariaat said the suspect was caught while attempting to bring out the drugs from his vehicle while waiting for a buyer at 11.20am on Jan 21.
"The police found and seized 44 transparent plastic packets, believed to be containing heroin, weighing approximately 19,246g worth RM220,000 and could be used by about 40,000 drug users.
"The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for,” he said during a press conference at the Perak police contingent headquarters on Thursday (Jan 23).
DCP Zulkafli said that the suspect will be remanded for six days, from Jan 22 to Jan 27 to assist with the investigation.
He added that the initial urine tests revealed that the suspect tested positive for morphine and also has 13 criminal records related to drugs and crimes.
"Based on the investigations, this syndicate is believed to have been active in drug distribution since last October.
"The seized drugs are suspected to be distributed in the local market and around the state. We are still tracking the network," he said.
Meanwhile, DCP Zulkafli added that Perak’s Narcotics Crime Investigation Department has arrested about 20,458 individuals for drug-related offences between January and December last year.
"This includes 2,589 individuals for drug supply, 6,580 individuals for drug possession and 113 individuals detained under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985. “Additionally, 11,176 individuals tested positive for drug use as well as 598 individuals were charged under the Section C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 with committing repeated offences.”
He said drugs worth RM9.7mil were seized during the period, including synthetic drugs such as syabu, ketamine, and ecstasy pills worth RM110,621.65, as well as traditional drugs such as ganja and heroin worth RM1.5mil.
DCP Zulkafli also called on the public to continue to channel information related to drug abuse to ensure that the state is free from drug threats.
