JOHOR BARU: An 18-year-old Indonesian who overstayed in Malaysia has been arrested in a terrace house that doubled as a drug storage unit.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the male suspect was arrested in Taman Lian Seng, Kluang, last Sunday (Sept 13), with police seizing RM1.29mil worth of drugs.
“Packets of syabu and heroin weighing a total of 25.95kg were found in the house that was rented without a contract. The teenager worked as the storekeeper for the drug syndicate, which has been active since January.
“The suspect entered Malaysia with a valid passport last year via Port Klang and has overstayed,” he said at a press conference on Friday (Sept 18).
The teenager, who tested negative for drugs, has been remanded until Sept 20 to assist in investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death sentence or life imprisonment and up to 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
In a separate case, Comm Ab Rahaman said two 18-year-olds were among three people arrested for their alleged involvement in another drug distribution syndicate.
He said the three suspects - a 54-year-old man, a male teenager and a female teenager - were arrested in Kampung Sepakat Baru, Kulai last Friday (Sept 11).
“The male teenager was believed to be the older male suspect’s helper in drug distribution, while the female teenager managed the syndicate’s finances.
“They were arrested in two illegally built houses next to each other, where we also found various drugs, including syabu, heroin and ganja, weighing 278g,” he said, adding that the drugs had a street value of RM11,401.
Comm Ab Rahaman said police also seized a pistol and 79 rounds of 9mm ammunition as well as a continental car, a lorry, two motorcycles, jewellery and RM51,000 in cash.
He said the male suspects tested positive for morphine, while the female suspect tested negative. All three have been remanded until Sept 21 to assist in investigations.
“We are tracking down the masterminds behind both syndicates. They are not linked, nor are the suspects related to each other,” he said.
