JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 20 Johor police successfully dismantled a significant drug syndicate involved in using vape devices to distribute narcotics, following a series of three coordinated raids in and around Johor Bahru last week. The operation, which took place from Wednesday to Thursday, led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of drugs worth RM 2.827 million.
According to Johor police chief Datuk CP M. Kumar, the special operation resulted in the detention of two men and a woman, aged between 27 and 44. The arrests were made during three separate raids conducted between 6:45 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. The suspects are believed to be key members of a drug syndicate that has been operating since August.
During the operation, police seized a significant amount of drugs, including 16,345 grams of ecstasy powder, 225 grams of ketamine, 68.87 grams of methamphetamine, 140 tablets (40 grams) of Eramin 5, 294 tablets (115 grams) of ecstasy, 14.75 grams of cannabis, and 330 milliliters of liquid believed to contain drugs, stored in 10 vape cartridges and five refill bottles.
In addition to the drugs, the police confiscated a car valued at RM 44,000 and cash amounting to RM 160. The total value of all the items seized in the operation is estimated at RM 3.899 million.
“The syndicate was operating out of a rented gated and guarded apartment, which they used for a short period to evade detection,” said Kumar during a press conference at the Johor Police Contingent Headquarters. The apartment served as both a storage facility and a processing center where drugs were repackaged before being distributed to the local market.
Urine tests conducted on the three suspects revealed that all of them tested positive for methamphetamine. Furthermore, two of the suspects have prior criminal records related to drug offenses and other activities.
Kumar also provided details of a second drug syndicate that was busted in a separate raid conducted on Tuesday. This operation resulted in the seizure of drugs worth RM 871,068. Police arrested two local men and a local woman, who were also using an apartment as a drug storage and processing facility before distributing the narcotics to the local market.
“In this second raid, police seized 5,025 grams of ecstasy powder, 1.65 grams of ketamine, and 189 milliliters of liquid ecstasy, valued at RM 871,068. Additionally, two cars worth RM 155,000 and RM 1,850 in cash were confiscated,” Kumar stated. The total value of the assets seized in this second operation is estimated at RM 1.027 million.
Both drug syndicates are believed to be part of larger networks that supply drugs across Johor and possibly other parts of the country. Police are continuing their investigations to determine if these syndicates are connected to other drug trafficking operations within Malaysia or abroad.
All suspects from both syndicates have been remanded for seven days, starting from October 16, under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. This section of the law pertains to the trafficking of dangerous drugs, which carries the death penalty upon conviction.
The arrests and seizures represent a major victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Johor and Malaysia. Police have vowed to continue their efforts to dismantle syndicates and bring those involved in the illegal drug trade to justice.
The Johor police force has reiterated its commitment to combating drug-related crimes, urging the public to provide any information that could help in their ongoing efforts to rid the streets of dangerous drugs. Kumar emphasized that the police will remain vigilant and continue to crack down on drug operations throughout the region. — Bernama
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