JB cops seize drugs, arrest nine including three siblings

Police in Johor Bahru have arrested nine individuals, including three siblings, and confiscated drugs worth RM231,000 in a series of raids carried out on Tuesday (Sept 19) in Johor Bahru, Seri Alam, and Kota Tinggi. The operation involved a team of police officers from Bukit Aman and the state Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and resulted in the apprehension of six men and three women between the ages of 22 and 36.

The raids led to the seizure of 27.55kg of ganja, 1.81kg of heroin, 2.02kg of syabu, 597g of ketamin, 81g of Yaba pills, and 106g of ecstasy. These substances could potentially be used by 50,578 drug addicts. Additionally, law enforcement officers confiscated five different types of firearms, 136 rounds of ammunition, and 111 cartons of Chinese cigarettes, in an attempt to halt the activities of the alleged syndicate.

According to Johor Police Chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat, the syndicate had been active since May and followed a modus operandi that involved renting multiple houses to store drugs obtained from the northern state. The drugs were then distributed within the local market, particularly targeting village areas and Felda settlements.

In addition to the drug seizures, the police also impounded four vehicles, a motorcycle, jewelry, and RM126,000 in cash, bringing the total value of the drugs and assets seized to RM536,662.40. Two suspects tested positive for methamphetamine, and six suspects had previous criminal records related to drug offenses.

Investigations into the case are being conducted under multiple sections of the law, including Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, Section 33 of the Arms Act 1960, and Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. All nine individuals have been remanded for six days until Sunday (Sept 24).

Kamarul Zaman revealed that the Johor NCID had arrested 12,493 individuals for various drug-related offenses and seized a total of 4.18 tonnes of drugs worth RM29.38mil, along with assets valued at RM10.02mil, from January until Tuesday. The authorities will continue their efforts to combat the drug trade in the state.

Source: Bernama