DIY drug syndicate busted in Penang, 6 nabbed

BUKIT MERTAJAM – Police busted a drug trafficking syndicate that was processing its own drugs and arrested six individuals, among them two couples, here last week.

The raids were conducted in Juru and Simpang Ampat in the Seberang Prai Tengah district and Butterworth in the Seberang Prai Utara district.

State Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah said following the raids, police seized an assortment of drugs worth RM86,768.65 as well as paraphernalia and chemicals used to process the drugs.

“The team also managed to seize assets worth RM162,250, including a Honda EX5 motorcycle, Perodua Myvi, Audi TT and Honda Accord. The overall seizure value amounted to RM249,018.65,” he told a press conference at the Seberang Prai Tengah district police headquarters.

One of the couples, a construction assistant contractor and his wife, both aged 37, have knowledge in heroin processing.

Several paraphernalia and chemicals used in drug processing were found in their rented apartment in Butterworth.

“Police launched another raid at 5.30pm last Saturday at an apartment used as a drug processing place in Butterworth and arrested a couple.

“Police found 91g of heroin worth RM1,011.01, equipment and chemicals suspected to have been used to process heroin, as well as RM1,250 cash.

“In total, the value of the drugs seized during the raids is RM86,768.65,” he said.

Mustafa said the syndicate’s modus operandi has been to carry out drug distribution activities around Juru, Prai, Seberang Jaya and Butterworth since the beginning of last year.

“The syndicate obtained a supply of drugs in Penang and Kedah, where they bought heroin for RM2,700 a pound (453,592g) and sold it for RM3,400 per pound with a profit of RM700 for every pound of drugs sold.

“Urine tests found all male suspects had past criminal records and were positive for drugs.

“Four suspects have been remanded until this Thursday while the other two, a couple, have been remanded until this Saturday,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15(1)(a) of the same act. – The Vibes, July 26, 2021