RM4.9 Mln In Drugs Seized In Johor Raid, Vietnamese Woman Arrested

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 3 (Bernama) – Johor police have uncovered a drug syndicate disguising illicit substances as beverage packets, including coffee and juice, following two separate raids in the city late last month.

Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar said the raids, conducted from 2.15 pm on July 25 to 12.30 am on July 26, led to the seizure of drugs worth over RM4.9 million.

A 31-year-old Vietnamese woman, believed to be the key figure behind the repackaging operation, was arrested in an apartment during the first raid.

“She tested positive for ketamine, and further investigation led to a second raid the next day at another apartment used for drug repackaging,” he told a press conference here today. 

In total, police seized 29,219 grammes of ecstasy powder, 131 ecstasy pills and 20 grammes of ketamine, enough for an estimated 97,849 addicts if distributed.

Also confiscated were drug processing tools, RM3,000 in cash, SGD193 (about RM617.60), and jewellery worth over RM34,000, bringing the total seizure value to RM4,939,778.60.

Kumar said the syndicate mixed drugs with coffee powder and flavourings, then sealed them in commercial-style drink sachets to avoid detection and facilitate local distribution.

Each sachet was sold at around RM250, and the group is believed to have operated through online platforms and a network of local distributors, he added. 

Police are also seeking a 35-year-old Sarawakian man, Terrence Ki Kek Ding, to facilitate investigations. 

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act. The Vietnamese suspect has been remanded until Aug 8.

— BERNAMA