Three separate drug busts net RM3.44m in drugs, five arrests in Penang

George Town, October 1 — Penang police conducted three separate drug busts between September 21 and 27, arresting five individuals and seizing narcotics worth RM3.44 million. Chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng of the Penang Police Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) reported the discovery of 8.83 kg of heroin, 15.06 kg of MDMA powder, five litres of liquid MDMA, 182 ecstasy pills, and 70 g of ketamine.

In the first operation on September 21, a 47-year-old man was arrested on Jalan Masjid Negeri, leading to the discovery of heroin and equipment used for drug processing. The second operation on September 22 around Jalan Tun Dr Awang and Sungai Nibong Kecil resulted in the arrest of two local men and a woman, who were found to be associated with an MDMA distribution network.

The third operation on September 27, at Jalan Seladang, Bukit Mertajam, netted 11.8 kg of MDMA powder, 182 ecstasy pills, heroin, and ketamine from a 45-year-old man's vehicle. Intelligence suggested the suspects had been involved in drug trafficking since July, but the syndicates were not linked. All five suspects tested negative for drugs, except the first who had a prior narcotics record.

The police also seized six vehicles worth RM58,000 under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988. The suspects were remanded for seven days to aid investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.