JOHOR BARU: The state police seized various drugs worth RM201.8 million in separate raids throughout the state capital on Thursday and Friday, making it the biggest haul of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID).
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the drugs, which could fulfil the demands of about 11.3 million drug addicts, were seized following the discovery of three storage premises.
He said police also seized drug precursors and other processing equipment during the raids on a factory in Taman Mount Austin and two rented houses in Setia Indah, here.
The raids followed an initial raid last week which led to the arrest of 15 people and the discovery of two storage premises and two illegal laboratories with drugs worth a total of RM131.27 million.
He said four of the 15 people arrested had led police to the latest series of drug hauls.
"Based on the latest information, the drug smuggling syndicate was believed to have been active since 2018 and they had brought in raw material and equipment from China, which could last for three years.
"The syndicate's modus operandi was to rent a factory and houses for storage and drug processing.
"During the raids, police successfully seized 3.2 tonnes of ecstasy powder, 26.1kg of liquid ecstasy and 117kg of Eramin 5 powder and the total items were estimated to be worth RM201.8 million.
"We seized RM5.8 million in cash, four luxury vehicles and 30 types of jewellery worth RM124,435.09, in addition to 62 bank accounts with a total of RM8.6 million," Ayob told reporters at the state police headquarters here today.
Also present were deputy Johor police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin.
Ayob said police arrested a 34-year-old man at the factory in Taman Mount Austin on Thursday and another 38-year-old man in Taman Gaya, Ulu Tiram yesterday, and they will be remanded to help in investigations.
He said the 15 people who were initially arrested had their remand extended for four days until Wednesday to facillitate investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He said the Johor NCID detained 505 people for various drug-related offences and seized 5.5 tonnes of drugs between Jan 1 to Jan 15 this year. - NST
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