A DRUG syndicate operating out of rented luxury apartments in Johor has been dismantled, following a major police raid that uncovered not only a drug processing operation but also a makeshift entertainment hub complete with karaoke rooms.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said the raid, which took place between 3.30pm on 20 June and 6.30am on 21 June, revealed that rooms in three apartments within the same block had been converted into private karaoke lounges. Customers would attend these sessions to enjoy music while simultaneously purchasing narcotics on-site.
“In the operation, police seized drugs including syabu, ecstasy and ketamine valued at RM1.72 million, along with vehicles, cash, and jewellery worth RM190,205,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.
According to Kumar, intelligence gathering on the group began earlier this year. The syndicate, believed to be led by Malaysian nationals, is thought to have started operating in March 2025. “They operated on a small scale, using gated and guarded apartment units to store and package drugs,” he said.
Nine individuals were arrested during the raid, comprising four local men, one Malaysian woman, a Singaporean man, two Vietnamese women and a Laotian woman, aged between 21 and 64.
All tested positive for methamphetamine in initial urine screenings, with four having prior criminal records. Among those detained was a 64-year-old Singaporean man wanted by authorities in his home country for drug-related offences.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987. All suspects remain in custody until tomorrow to assist in the ongoing investigation. - July 4, 2025
