POLICE DETAIN DUO, UNCOVER HEROIN-PROCESSING LAB IN BUKIT MERTAJAM

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Police arrested two men, uncovered a heroin-processing laboratory, and seized various drugs valued at RM120,600 in two raids conducted here and in Kulim, Kedah.

Penang Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said, acting on gathered information and intelligence, a team from the state Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) conducted an operation from 4 pm on Friday until 5 am the following day, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, both aged 40.

"In the first raid at a house in Bukit Mertajam, police detained a man who functioned as a chemist with the expertise to process heroin, and checks revealed that he had converted the premises into a drug-processing laboratory.

"Police seized 400 grams of heroin base, 5,385 grams of heroin, 20 kilograms of caffeine powder, chemical liquids and various drug-processing equipment," he said in a statement today.

He said further questioning of the suspect led to a follow-up raid in Kulim, where police arrested another man operating as the runner, and seized 250 grams of methamphetamine.

Azizee said investigations and intelligence gathered indicated that the drug distribution syndicate has been operating since August, primarily focusing on the heroin market in the northern states.

He said urine tests on both men returned positive for multiple drugs, and the seized substances could meet the needs of up to 40,000 addicts.

"The seized drugs are valued at RM120,600, and police also seized a Honda Vario motorcycle worth RM9,800. Checks revealed that both men have multiple previous criminal and drug-related records," he said.

He added that the two unemployed suspects have been remanded until Nov 28 to assist investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

-- BERNAMA