Bukit Aman cripples two local drug distribution networks, arresting 19 individuals and confiscating drugs valued at nearly RM2.8 million in separate operations
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have dismantled two local drug distribution syndicates in separate operations, arresting 19 individuals and seizing narcotics valued at nearly RM2.8 million.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the first operation, codenamed Op Tupelo, was conducted from November 14 to 22.
Nine raids in Johor, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan led to the arrest of nine local men, three local women and one foreign woman aged between 25 and 63.
Police seized 15.3kg of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 4.1kg of Erimin 5 pills, 206 grams of methamphetamine, 82.3 grams of ecstasy pills, 17 grams of ketamine and 3.8 grams of heroin.
The drugs from Op Tupelo have an estimated street value of RM2.6 million.
“Investigations found that the syndicate, believed to be distributing various types of drugs for the local market, has been active since the middle of this year,” Hussein said in a statement.
Urine tests showed 11 of those detained tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and benzo.
Nine of the individuals also possessed prior criminal records involving drug and criminal cases.
Police also invoked the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, seizing assets estimated at RM1.2 million.
The forfeited items included RM499,950 in cash, seven vehicles and jewellery.
In a second operation, codenamed Op Rimu on December 9, police arrested six men aged between 23 and 38 around the Klang Valley.
Hussein said this syndicate was also believed to be distributing various drugs locally and had been active since the beginning of the year.
Authorities seized 215.5 grams of methamphetamine, 1.95kg of cannabis, 1.06kg of Erimin 5 pills, one kg of heroin and 19.13 grams of ecstasy pills.
The narcotics from Op Rimu are estimated to be worth RM132,244.
Urine screening found one of the six detainees tested positive for benzo, and all had prior records for drug and criminal offences.
Action under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988 was also taken, with seizures estimated at RM368,250.
Assets confiscated included RM10,950 in cash, five cars, two motorcycles, a watch and various pieces of jewellery.
