Police in Kedah seized 62kg of syabu worth RM3.1 million and arrested three suspects, including an Indonesian man believed to be a storekeeper.
KOTA KUALA MUDA: Police seized 62 kilogrammes of syabu with an estimated street value of RM3.1 million at a homestay in Kampung Permatang Rengan here. The raid on Tuesday evening also led to the arrest of a 47-year-old Indonesian man.
Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the suspect was initially arrested along a roadside with 150 grammes of the drug. “We seized the keys to the homestay and subsequently took the suspect there,” he said at a press conference today.
A further inspection uncovered the larger 62kg stash hidden under a bed in one of the rooms. Adzli said the suspect had no prior criminal record and tested negative for drugs.
The suspect is believed to have been in Malaysia for two to three years. “He is believed to have been the storekeeper, receiving around RM116 for each kg of drugs,” Adzli added.
Following this arrest, police detained a local couple, aged 42 and 32, in Penaga, Penang on Wednesday night. The couple were renting the homestay and are assisting with investigations.
Adzli said the raid revealed a new modus operandi where suspects handle only small amounts for local marketing. The bulk of the seized drugs, enough for 314,000 users, was destined for Indonesia via sea routes.
Supplies were allegedly obtained from the Klang Valley and stored for two days before distribution. The syndicate is believed to have been active for two to three months.
“The husband and wife are said to receive a fee of around RM1,500 to RM2,000 for renting out the homestay,” Adzli stated. He confirmed this was the third homestay they had rented, including two previous locations in Penang.
Police believe other syndicate members are still at large. All suspects have been remanded for seven days, and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
