KUCHING: Police crippled a methamphetamine distribution syndicate operating in Kuching and Padawan following four raids that led to the seizure of drugs worth an estimated RM1.35 million and the arrest of seven suspects.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the operation, carried out by the Sarawak Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID), took place between 4.35pm on Jul 3 and 12.30am on Jul 4.
He said police arrested three local men, one local woman, two Indonesian men and one Indonesian woman, aged between 25 and 46.
“The total amount of methamphetamine seized was 26,965.95 grammes, with an estimated street value of RM1.35 million.
“The drugs seized were capable of supplying about 134,500 users,” he said.
Alexson said the first raid at Prima Homes along Jalan Matang resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old local man and the seizure of 60.5 grammes of suspected methamphetamine.
He said a second raid at an apartment in P Residence, Jalan Batu Kawa, led to the arrest of a 43-year-old local man, a 44-year-old local woman, two Indonesian men aged 37 and 46, and a 34-year-old Indonesian woman.
Police also seized 5.45 grammes of suspected methamphetamine during the raid.
He said the third raid was conducted in front of a shop along Jalan Setia Raja, Stutong, where police arrested a 25-year-old local man and seized 5,300 grammes of suspected methamphetamine.
“The arrest later led police to an apartment in Tabuan Tranquility, where a further 21,600 grammes of suspected methamphetamine was discovered,” he said.
According to Alexson, syndicate members were paid between RM3,000 and RM6,000 a month to distribute drugs around Kuching and Padawan.
He said the suspects acted as runners who received instructions from their “upline” to deliver drugs using a “drop and collect” method without meeting customers to avoid detection.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and, if the death penalty is not imposed, not fewer than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
He added that preliminary urine screening found the 25-year-old and 43-year-old local men, a 33-year-old Indonesian man and the 34-year-old Indonesian woman tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
All seven suspects have no previous criminal record.
Police also seized a Yamaha NVX motorcycle worth RM10,500 and a Proton Wira valued at RM6,000 under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
