KUCHING: Police have dismantled a drug distribution setup operating out of a rented apartment here with the arrest of two local men alleged to play distinct roles in a supply-and-delivery chain moving drugs across the district.
Acting on gathered intelligence, a team from the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) raided the residential premises last Thursday (Jan 8), which had been converted into a storage site for drugs.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said two suspects, aged 38 and 42, were arrested for their alleged involvement in drug distribution activities.
“During the raid, the team uncovered a sizeable cache of drugs believed to have been stored and prepared for distribution.
“They are 5,662.90g of syabu, 1,819g of ketamine, 120g of Erimin 5 pills and 60.2g of ecstasy, with a total estimated value of RM328,173.50.
“The seized drugs could have supplied an estimated 32,573 drug addicts,” he said at a press conference yesterday (Jan 13).
Preliminary investigations found that the 42-year-old suspect allegedly functioned as the caretaker of the residential unit and acted as a drug courier, tasked with safeguarding the drugs and delivering them to customers upon receiving instructions from other accomplices.
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old suspect is believed to have been responsible for collecting drug supplies and stockpiling them at the apartment before they are distributed around Kuching.
Alexson pointed out further investigations are ongoing to identify the mastermind and dismantle the wider drug trafficking network involved.
Also seized from them were assets believed to be proceeds from drug distribution activities worth RM604,000, such as a Toyota Alphard, a Mercedes GLA 250, a Toyota Harrier, a Perodua Alza, a Yamaha motorcycle, and a Rolex watch.
Urine screening tests found the 42-year-old suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, while the 38-year-old tested positive for benzo-type drugs.
“Both suspects have been remanded for seven days until Jan 16 to facilitate investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“Upon conviction, the men may face the death penalty or sentenced to life in prison. If not sentenced to death, they shall also face up to 12 strokes of the cane,” he said.
