JOHOR BAHRU, May 11 — Police crippled two drug trafficking syndicates following the arrest of six local men and the seizure of various narcotics worth RM4.77 million in two separate operations on May 7 and 8.

Johor acting police chief DCP Hoo Chuan Huat said five men, aged between 27 and 50, including the syndicate mastermind, were arrested during the first operation launched by the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department at three locations from 11am.

He said two suspects were arrested during a raid at the first location, a house in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, where police seized 20.47 kilogrammes (kg) of suspected methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 14,800 Erimin 5 pills, 1.44 kg of ecstasy powder, 1,055 ecstasy pills, and 146 grammes of ketamine, along with various packaging equipment.

Hoo said another suspect was apprehended in a second raid in Bandar Seri Alam without any seizures, while a third bust at a car park in Permas Jaya led to the arrest of two more individuals and the seizure of 4.40 grammes of ketamine.

“The total market value of the seized drugs is estimated at RM3.65 million. The syndicate is believed to have been active since March, using rented apartments in gated and guarded communities as storage and repackaging hubs for the local market,” he told a press conference at the Johor IPK today.

He said police also seized four cars, a motorcycle, RM7,750 in cash, 308 Singapore dollars, and jewellery, including two rings and a gold chain with a pendant.

Hoo added that preliminary urine tests showed four suspects tested positive for methamphetamine and one for ketamine. All five, who have previous criminal records, have been remanded for seven days from May 8.

In the second operation, he said a 21-year-old man was arrested at a house in Taman Perling on May 8. He is believed to have operated a solo drug distribution ring.

Police seized 23 plastic bottles and 21 cartridges with 11.54 litres of suspected liquid ketamine, 3.61 kg of MDMA powder, 150 grammes of ecstasy powder, 40 ecstasy pills, and 19.30 grammes of ketamine. The drugs are valued at RM1.12 million.

“The suspect, who tested positive for ketamine and has a prior record, is believed to have been active since January and allegedly used a terrace house for storing and repackaging drugs,” he said.

The suspect has been remanded for seven days from May 9.

Both cases are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty, life imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. — Bernama