Penang police dismantle a drug syndicate, arresting three men and seizing heroin, syabu, and assets worth nearly RM1.2 million in a major operation.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang police have crippled a drug processing and distribution syndicate following a series of raids. Three men were arrested and narcotics with an estimated street value of nearly RM1.2 million were seized.
The operation, based on gathered intelligence, was conducted over two days in the Seberang Perai Utara and Barat Daya districts. Police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail (pic) said the first raid in Teluk Air Tawar led to the arrest of a man and the discovery of a drug storage.
Officers seized five kilogrammes of heroin and 10.33 kilogrammes of syabu kept in zip-lock bags. A second raid in Barat Daya resulted in another arrest and the seizure of more drugs and processing equipment.
Police confiscated 3,032 grammes of heroin, 18.5 kilogrammes of caffeine powder, and 2,032 grammes of baking powder. Various liquid chemicals and equipment believed to be used for drug processing were also found.
A third raid in the same area led to the arrest of another suspected syndicate member. Initial investigations indicate the syndicate had been active since last December.
The group obtained drug supplies from its network before processing and repackaging them for the local Penang market. Investigations are ongoing to track down the syndicate’s wider network.
All three unemployed suspects tested negative for drugs. Background checks revealed one of them has a prior criminal record.
Police also seized assets belonging to the suspects estimated to be worth RM245,000. The confiscated items include three cars, a motorcycle, jewellery, and cash.
The three men, aged between 37 and 48, have been remanded for seven days. They are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
