KUCHING: A 22-year-old man was arrested under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 where he can face mandatory death sentence. Seized from him were drugs worth an estimated RM1.4 million during a raid at a single-storey terrace house in Tabuan Desa, Kuching, on August 22.
In a press conference, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saifullizan Ishak said the operation, carried out at about 11.30 pm, followed intelligence gathering by the department.
“During the raid, police found various types of drugs, along with equipment for storage and packaging. The seized drugs included 74.3 kilograms of MDMA, 20.83 grams of ketamine, and 11.04 grams of Erimin 5 tablets. The total seizure is capable of destroying the lives of about 247,764 potential users,” he said.
Saifullizan said from initial investigations it was revealed that the suspect had only become active in the syndicate earlier this month.
He was tasked with storing the drug supply in a rented house and repackaging it into small plastic packets for distribution in Kuching.
“The suspect received the drugs and a cash allowance of RM1,000 from syndicate members,” he added.
An initial urine screening showed the suspect was negative for drugs, and checks confirmed he has no prior criminal record.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment and at least 12 strokes of the cane if not sentenced to death.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days from August 24 to 30 to assist further investigations.
Saifullizan said police are now pursuing other members of the syndicate still at large.
“This success is the result of continuous intelligence and cooperation from the public. Police will not compromise with anyone involved in drug trafficking. Possessing, distributing, or protecting drug activities is a serious offence under the law,” he stressed.
He urged the public to come forward with any information related to drug activities by contacting the Narcotics hotline at 012-2087222.
“Drugs are the number one enemy of the nation. The Narcotics Department remains committed to fighting this threat to protect both the present and future generations,” he added.
By Connie Chieng