POLICE CRIPPLE TWO DRUG SYNDICATES, 19 ARRESTED, DRUGS VALUED AT RM2.8 MLN SEIZED - BUKIT AMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Police have dismantled two local drug distribution syndicates through two separate operations, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of drugs valued at nearly RM2.8 million.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) Director, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, stated that nine local men, three local women, and one foreign woman aged between 25 and 63 were detained during nine raids in Johar, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan under Op Tupelo, conducted from Nov 14 to 22.

He said police seized 15.3 kilograms (kg) of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Erimin 5 pills (4.1 kg), methamphetamine (206 grams), ecstasy pills (82.3 grams), ketamine (17 grams), and heroin (3.8 grams), with an estimated value of RM2.6 million.

"Investigations found that the syndicate, believed to be distributing various types of drugs for the local market, has been active since the middle of this year," he said in a statement today.

Hussein added that urine screening results showed 11 individuals tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and benzo, with nine of them possessing prior criminal records involving drug and criminal cases.

He said that police also took action under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, with total seizures estimated at RM1.2 million, involving RM499,950 in cash, seven vehicles, and jewelry.

Meanwhile, six men aged between 23 and 38 were arrested around the Klang Valley through Op Rimu on Dec 9.

Hussein said the syndicate, believed to have been active since the beginning of this year, was allegedly distributing various types of drugs for the local market.

"We also seized various drugs, namely 215.5 grams of methamphetamine, 1.95 kg of cannabis, 1.06 kg of Erimin 5 pills, one kg of heroin, and 19.13 grams of ecstasy pills, estimated to be worth RM132,244," he said.

He noted that urine screening results found one of the six detainees positive for benzo, and all of them had prior records for drug and criminal offences.

He added that action under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988 was also implemented, with total seizures estimated at RM368,250 involving RM10,950 in cash, five cars, two motorcycles, a watch, and various pieces of jewelry.

--BERNAMA