Penang raids lead to major drug syndicate bust: RM200,000 in drugs seized
GEORGETOWN - A drug processing syndicate was thwarted as three local men were arrested in simultaneous raids conducted yesterday.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 37, were taken to custody with variety of drugs worth RM200,000.
Penang Police Chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the raids took place at 4.30pm across separate residences in South Seberang Perai (SPS) and Central Seberang Perai (SPT).
Investigations revealed that the residences were into an illegal drug processing lab at Simpang Ampat, SPS.
"In the first raid, we stormed into a two-storey house in SPS and arrested a suspect who looked like a businessman.
Upon inspection, it was found that the house, rented at RM1,500 per month was being used for processing drugs.
"The first raid lead us to another house in Taman Sejahtera, SPT where two more suspects were arrested.
The two suspects are siblings and the house serves as their family residence.
"The suspects own a truck workshop, while the younger sibling is a truck driver," he said during a press conference at the Penang State Police Contingent Headquarters today.
Khaw said the two raids saw seizure of various types of drugs, drug processing equipment, vehicles and jewelry.
"We seized 30 packages of heroin worth RM184,800; 230 sticks of drug cigarettes worth RM13,800; caffeine powder worth RM1,400, drug processing equipment and chemicals.
"Based on intelligence, this syndicate has been active for the past three months and all of these drugs were intended for the local market.
Police is still investigating whether there is a larger syndicate behind this operation," he said.
He added that urine screening tests for drugs for the three suspects recorded negative.
"Further checks revealed that two of them have past records of criminal and drug-related offences.
The three are under remand until Aug 21 for further investigation.
The confiscated drugs could have reached 67,730 addicts if it had reached the local market.
The cops also seized six vehicles, including a Toyota Alphard, BMW, Honda, and Mitsubishi Triton.
"Also confiscated were two necklaces, a bracelet and two rings worth RM25,680.
The total value of the drugs and seized items is RM890,680," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
