POLICE BUST DRUG SYNDICATE, SEIZE RM1.49 MILLION WORTH OF MDMA, ECSTASY

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The police have dismantled a drug syndicate involved in distributing Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ecstasy, seizing drugs worth RM1.49 million during a raid in the Tampoi area on Oct 22.

Johor Bahru Utara police chief ACP Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said three suspects, aged between 27 and 42, were detained following intelligence gathered by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN).

“During the raid, authorities found 8,162 grams of suspected MDMA powder, 2,463.62 grams of ecstasy powder, 24.73 grams of ketamine, 6.40 grams of ecstasy pills, and 3.29 grams of Erimin 5 pills at the suspects' residence,” he told a press conference at the police headquarters here today.

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He added that investigations revealed that the third suspect was an active distributor, while the other two suspects - a shop assistant and a construction contractor, were users who obtained their supply from the main suspect.

The syndicate is believed to have been operating since April, with the house serving as a processing site for ecstasy powder before distribution to regular customers.

All three suspects, who have prior drug-related criminal records, tested positive for methamphetamine. They are currently under remand until Oct 29 to assist in the investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment, with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane, if convicted.

-- BERNAMA