Police have arrested two local men and seized 32.73kg of Eramin 5 pills worth an estimated RM3.3 million in an operation at Kuching International Airport (KIA) on September 28.
Sarawak Acting Police Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said the suspects, aged 25 and 39, were arrested at the airport’s arrival hall during an operation conducted by the Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID).
Investigations revealed that the syndicate sourced its drug supplies from Johor Bahru before transporting them to Kuching by air for distribution across the city.
“Both suspects are believed to have received RM5,000 each for their involvement in the operation,” Saifullizan said at a press conference at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters.
The syndicate is believed to have been active since August, while the seized drugs could potentially affect up to 163,650 people, he added.
Preliminary urine screening found that the 25-year-old suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and benzodiazepines, while the 39-year-old tested negative for drugs.
The younger suspect, who is unemployed, has three previous records, including one drug-related offence and two other criminal offences. The older suspect, who works as a fisherman, has two previous criminal records.
Both men were initially remanded for six days until October 5, before their remand was extended for another two days until October 7.
They were charged at the Kuching Magistrates’ Court on October 7 under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
