Police have dismantled a major drug distribution syndicate following three coordinated raids around Melaka Tengah earlier this month, seizing narcotics estimated to be worth RM86.78 million.
Hussein Omar Khan, director of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) at Royal Malaysia Police headquarters in Bukit Aman, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Commercial Crime Investigation Department.
The enforcement action led to the arrest of four local men and one woman, aged between 23 and 55, believed to be involved in the drug trafficking network.
First Raid Nets Three Suspects
The first raid took place on March 6 at a terrace house in Taman Puncak Bertam, where police detained three suspects.
Authorities seized 12 packets of drugs suspected to be Erimin 5 weighing 1.73 kilograms, along with 13 mobile phones, seven notebooks and a laptop, which are believed to be linked to the syndicate’s operations.
Law enforcement officials noted that intelligence-led operations remain a crucial strategy in disrupting drug distribution networks operating within residential areas.
Second Raid Leads To Additional Arrests
A second operation conducted on March 8 in Taman Kenanga resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects.
During the raid, police confiscated several types of narcotics, including liquid and powder substances suspected to be MDMA, as well as Erimin 5 pills, ecstasy tablets and ketamine.
Illegal Drug Processing Lab Discovered
Later the same day, police carried out a third raid at a double-storey terrace house in Taman Satu Krubong, where officers uncovered an illegal drug processing laboratory that was also being used as a storage facility.
Investigators seized 274.08 kilograms of liquid believed to be MDMA and 303.85 kilograms of MDMA powder, along with quantities of ecstasy pills, Erimin 5 tablets, ketamine and various drug processing equipment.
According to Hussein, the total drugs confiscated in the operation could potentially affect up to 1.1 million users, highlighting the scale of the syndicate’s activities.
Drugs Believed Sourced From Klang Valley
Initial investigations suggest the narcotics were supplied from the Klang Valley before being distributed across Melaka, particularly to entertainment outlets and nightlife venues.
Authorities also found that the suspects held different roles within the syndicate’s structure.
Two individuals allegedly acted as coordinators, one served as a storekeeper, while the remaining two functioned as runners responsible for distribution.
Police believe the group had been active for approximately six months, using rented houses as both drug processing laboratories and storage centres before supplying the illegal substances to the local market.
Drug Tests And Previous Offences
Urine screening conducted on the suspects found one individual tested positive for methamphetamine.
Further background checks also revealed two of the suspects had previous drug-related offences, indicating possible repeat involvement in narcotics activities.
Case Investigated Under Dangerous Drugs Act
The case is currently being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
In the same operation, police also seized assets worth approximately RM38,000, including a **Proton Iriz car and a **Yamaha Y15ZR motorcycle, believed to be linked to the syndicate’s activities.
Authorities emphasised that ongoing enforcement efforts remain crucial in curbing drug trafficking networks that continue to pose serious threats to public safety across Malaysia
