RM1.48mil in drugs, assets seized in Johor apartment raid
JOHOR BARU: Police have dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate that rented two units in the same gated apartment complex, using one as a processing and repackaging centre.
The group, led by a 31-year-old man who had only been active for two months, was crippled following four raids in the district last week.
Johor Baru South police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said the raids were carried out on June 12 and 13 following a week of surveillance, resulting in the seizure of various drugs worth over RM1.28 million.
Besides the mastermind, three other men, a Singaporean man, and a Thai woman aged between 30 and 39 were also arrested.
The syndicate operated out of a guarded apartment where drugs were repackaged and stored before being distributed locally.
The locations raided included two homestays and an apartment, which the group rented for short stays at around RM300 per day before relocating.
They rented two units in the apartment block, one of which was used as a storage facility, while the other served as their residence.
Seized drugs included 7.669kg of ecstasy powder, 13.6g of ketamine, and 8g of Eramin 5 pills.
Police also confiscated RM3,000 in cash, two cars, and jewellery, bringing the total value of seized items to over RM1.48 million.
The syndicate repackaged the drugs into sachets resembling three-in-one beverage packets, which were sold for between RM200 and RM300 each.
Urine tests showed all suspects tested positive for methamphetamine.
They are being remanded for 12 days until June 24 to assist investigations under Section 39B and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
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