Johor Police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar (second right) showing the seized drugs worth RM2.6mil.
JOHOR BARU: Police have seized RM2.6mil in drugs and arrested a 39-year-old local man in several raids to crack down on a drug syndicate in the city.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the Johor Baru South district police’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), together with the Johor NCID, carried out a special operation on Feb 16.
He added that the raids carried out from 4.30am to 11.15pm involved four locations across Johor Baru.
“The two raids were conducted at a roadside, while the other two raids were conducted in two condominiums in Johor Baru and Permas Jaya.
“In one of the raids, we arrested a 39-year-old local man and seized a significant quantity of drugs.
“A urine test confirmed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, and checks revealed he had prior drug-related offences,” he told a press conference at the Johor police headquarters here on Friday (Feb 28).
He added that the suspect is part of a syndicate that had been operating since January 2025, using a gated and guarded condominium to store and repackage drugs for local distribution.
“We believe that the suspect is working with other individuals who are still at large.
“His main role is as a transporter and a storekeeper for the syndicate. Their modus operandi involves using gated and guarded houses as storage facilities for their drugs,” he added.
Comm Kumar added that the police are currently looking for a 34-year-old man named Tan Hua Chiek, who is believed to have information that can help the police with the investigations.
Among the seized drugs, police confiscated 15,450.6gm of ecstasy powder worth RM2,580,250 and 55gm of syabu (methamphetamine) valued at RM6,050.
Comm Kumar said the total value of the drug seizure amounted to RM2,586,300, adding that the drugs could have supplied approximately 51,777 addicts.
Police also seized various drug-processing and packaging equipment. They also confiscated a car belonging to the suspect valued at RM72,200 and RM220 in cash. The total value of assets seized during the operation stood at RM2,658,520.
The suspect was charged in court on Friday under Section 39A(1) and Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
On another matter, Comm Kumar said that from Jan 1 to Feb 27 2025, Johor police arrested 4,334 individuals for various drug-related offences.
During this period, authorities seized 349.44kg of drugs and 2,245.55 litres of liquid substances worth RM35.7mil. Additionally, assets worth RM4.5mil linked to drug syndicates were confiscated.
“We urge the public to continue providing information on drug-related activities in their communities. Reports can be made through the Johor Narcotics Crime Investigation Department’s hotline at 012-2087222,” said Comm Kumar.
