JOHOR BARU: Police have seized drugs worth more than RM200,000 and arrested two men after dismantling a drug distribution syndicate operating in the city centre.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the arrests were made last Saturday (Dec 21) following a series of police raids by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department.
“The first arrest occurred at a petrol station in Taman Pelangi; the team noticed a man acting suspiciously. An inspection found the suspect carrying two packets of ecstasy powder.
"The 33-year-old suspect then led the team to a house in Taman Pelangi where more drugs were found, and another suspect, aged 40, was arrested," he said during a press conference at the Johor Baru South District Police Headquarters on Monday (Dec 23).
ACP Raub added that the syndicate had been active since October this year, using the terrace house and a vehicle as drug packaging and storage facilities before distributing the substances to the local market.
"The first suspect was arrested while pumping his car tyre, and the second suspect was found with Erimin 5 pills.
"Both tested positive for methamphetamine and ketamine during preliminary urine screenings, and background checks revealed prior criminal and drug-related records.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine if there are any other members still at large," he added.
The confiscated drugs are valued at RM210,721, consisting of 1,246.50 grams of ecstasy powder worth RM208,161, 25.10 grams of Erimin 5 pills worth RM1,800, and 3.80 grams of ketamine worth RM760.
"The team also confiscated RM120 in cash, a car, and a set of keys," he said, adding that both suspects have been remanded for seven days, from Dec 22 to Dec 28, to assist with investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking.
ACP Raub urged the public to continue cooperating by reporting any information related to criminal activities via the police hotline at 07-218 2222.
