Melaka Police Bust Two Syndicates, Seize Drugs Worth Over RM400,000

MELAKA, March 2 (Bernama) -- Melaka police have dismantled two drug distribution syndicates, seizing various types of illicit substances estimated to be worth RM400,250 in two separate raids in Banda Hilir and Kota Syahbandar last week.

Melaka Tengah Police chief ACP Christopher Patit said the latest operation led to the seizure of suspected 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) valued at RM226,500 from a house in Banda Hilir at around 2.30 pm on Feb 25.

He said police found 87 bottles of various branded beverages and 15 cans containing liquid, as well as 138 packets of powder in assorted flavours, suspected to be MDMA, weighing an estimated 6.052 kilogrammes.

“A 55-year-old man, identified as the mastermind behind the syndicate, was arrested. Preliminary investigations indicate the drugs were intended for sale at entertainment centres in Melaka Raya.

“The bottled drugs were sold at between RM150 and RM200 per bottle, while the powder packets were sold at RM250 to RM300 each,” he told a press conference here today.

Christopher added that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and that he had a criminal record involving drugs.

“The suspect has been remanded for seven days until March 4, and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act.

In a separate case, he said a 21-year-old man and his 18-year-old Thai girlfriend were arrested after police discovered various drugs in their Perodua Myvi car during a check at an open area along Jalan Pesisir Pantai near Kota Syahbandar at about 10.30 pm on February 23.

The seizure, estimated at RM173,750, comprised three clear plastic packets believed to contain methamphetamine weighing approximately 3,060 grammes as well as one plastic packet holding 95 smaller packets of liquid suspected to be ketamine.

“The male suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, while his girlfriend tested positive for ketamine. The male suspect also has two records under Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955.

“The remand period for both suspects, which ended today, has been extended by seven days to allow for further investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act,” he said.

-- BERNAMA