JOHOR BARU: A police raid on a grocery shop in Taman Universiti, Skudai last week led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of drugs and assets worth over half a million ringgit.
Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Balveer Singh said a team from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department carried out the operation at around 7pm on March 5 and found illegal substances.
“Among the drugs seized were 1,095.92g of syabu, estimated to be enough for 5,480 addicts, along with 1,843.29g of ecstasy powder, which could cater to 6,144 users.
“The authorities also confiscated 1,073.25g of cannabis, sufficient for 1,073 users,” he told a press conference at district police headquarters here on Tuesday (March 11).
ACP Balveer added that along with the drugs, they seized eight vehicles and RM1,000 in cash.
“The total value of the confiscated drugs amounted to RM346,225, while the seized assets were worth RM248,600.
“The syndicate had been active since January, using the grocery shop to process and distribute drugs within Johor,” he said.
He added that the drugs were believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country.
Urine tests on all three suspects came back negative for drugs while background checks found that two of them have criminal records, he said.
"One of the suspects, aged 29, who is also the grocery shop owner, has a previous drug-related offence.
"Another suspect, aged 22, has one drug offence and three criminal offences on his record," ACP Balveer said.
The suspects were initially remanded until Monday (March 10), and a second remand order has been approved until March 17, he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for trafficking, which carries the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.
ACP Balveer added that police are tracking down the remaining members of the syndicate who are still at large.
He also urged the public to come forward with any information on drug activities.
"Those with information can contact the Johor Baru North District Police Headquarters at 07-5563122," he said.
