JOHOR BARU: Police seized more than RM10 million worth of narcotics with the arrest of seven alleged syndicate members, operating from rented homestays in gated compounds, in a series of raids in Seri Alam and the state capital on Aug 12.
The seizure is among the largest bust this year, and police have identified its mastermind, known as Lo Show Shang.
He remains at large and efforts to hunt him down are underway.
The syndicate, believed to be in operation since May, adopted the modus operandi to rent homestays in luxury gated condominiums on a monthly basis, to process and repack the contraband into household name beverages packets before distribution.
Johor police chief Commissioner M. Kumar said the syndicate was taken down in three raids between 12 noon and 2pm, with the arrests of five men and two foreign women including a married couple, aged between 22 and 38.
"Investigations revealed that the syndicate members opted to operate from rented homestay, some with a daily rental of RM220, to elude police.
"They allegedly repackaged the drugs into branded beverage packets to blanket detection. We gathered intelligence that drugs were sourced locally and distributed to entertainment venues," Kumar told a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
"However, we are in hot pursuit of the identified 36-year-old mastermind."
In the first raid, police stormed into an apartment unit rented by the syndicate members since June.
Four men were arrested and 60kg of various drugs were seized.
The second raid led to the arrest of the married couple at a rented double-story terrace house, where more drugs were confiscated, while in the third raid, a foreign woman was detained at another homestay unit in the same apartment complex.
Police seized RM10,001,122 worth of drugs, which included pills and powder form believed to be ketamine, ecstasy, Erimin 5 and cannabis.
The drugs were estimated could serve over 200,000 drug addicts.
Police also confiscated 500ml of vape-juice, 10 electronic cigarettes, processing and packaging drug paraphernalia, four cars, a motorcycle and jewellery.
RM42,180 and SD$372 (RM1,243) found in the premises were also confiscated.
Six suspects tested positive for methamphetamine, ketamine, and benzodiazepines. Background checks revealed that three suspects had prior criminal and drug-related records.
All suspects are under remand until Thursday for further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.