JOHOR BARU – Johor police have uncovered a heroin-processing laboratory and seized drugs worth RM1.08 million in Iskandar Puteri.
State top cop Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said a 36-year-old local man, who acted as the syndicate’s “chemist” and “runner”, was arrested in a raid on a rented house about 2pm on Tuesday.
The man is believed to have been paid RM10,000 a month to produce and distribute the narcotics to customers across the state.
“The drugs seized include 57.83kg of heroin worth RM642,588.88, 4.53kg of base heroin worth RM420,828.56, and 77.7kg of caffeine worth RM26,418,” Ayob Khan told a press conference here today.
“Various drug-processing equipment was also seized, as well as five vehicles, a motorcycle, RM16,430 in cash, jewellery, 25 watch straps, and 15 bank accounts containing RM473,283.42.”
He said police detained two local women, aged 34 and 35, in Temerloh, Pahang, and Batu Gajah following the first suspect’s arrest.
“These women are the wives of two other men wanted by police to assist in the investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The men’s last addresses are Taman Bestari and Taman Perling, Iskandar Puteri.”
The syndicate used the rented house, located in a “gated and guarded” neighbourhood, as a drug lab, and is believed to have been operating for a year.
In another case, Ayob Khan said a 31-year-old Malaysian man was arrested in Iskandar Puteri on Thursday, and syabu and ketamine worth RM347,874.44 seized from him.
“The suspect tested positive for methamphetamine. He has two criminal records and is wanted over drug cases.”
Besides the drugs, police also seized a vehicle, he added. – Bernama, March 28, 2021
