JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested a 44-year-old man suspected of drug trafficking and seized over RM2 million worth of narcotics during a special operation in the state capital on Aug 7.
Johor Baru (South) police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said that, acting on intelligence, narcotics police officers raided two premises in a two-hour operation.
The suspect, who tested negative for drugs and has no prior criminal record, is believed to be a member of a drug syndicate and has been actively involved in the illegal operation since June.
"His modus operandi is to use the raided shop lots to repack and store contraband before distributing it to a network of regular users," Raub told a press conference held at the district headquarters, today.
During the raids, police confiscated 299 packets of ecstasy powder valued at RM2,112,550, along with ketamine, 1,541 ecstasy pills, and erimin 5 pills.
The total drug seizure, valued at RM2,214,440, is estimated to potentially serve around 44,180 drug users.
Additionally, RM700 in cash, a car, jewellery, grinding tools, and two gold bullion cards were also seized.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries penalties of death, life imprisonment, or caning.
As of Aug 12, the district police's Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (NCID) had arrested 2,997 suspects for various drug offences and seized 137.49 kg of narcotics worth RM571.3 million.
The police also confiscated assets worth RM6.57 million from the syndicate.
Raub urged the public to support their fight against drug-related activities by reporting suspicious behaviour to the district police hotline at 07-2182222.