JOHOR BARU: Police have busted a drug ring involved in producing cannabis-infused cakes and cookies following the recent arrest of five people, including a couple believed to be the masterminds of the syndicate.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 35, were arrested when police raided three condominiums in the state capital between Monday and yesterday (Oct 9).
Police believe the syndicate was in the early stages of its cannabis-infused edible market debut, conducting 'research and development' when their illicit operation was uncovered.
Also seized during the raids were a variety of drugs, including a two-month-old cannabis plant.
Johor Baru (South) police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat, said the syndicate's downfall began when a 33-year-old man and his girlfriend, a 35-year-old foreigner, were arrested at a condominium in Majidee here.
The arrest led the police to raid another condominium in the vicinity, where another man, also 33, was arrested.
"Drugs were found in the unit, and a car was confiscated," Raub said at a press conference held at the district police headquarters here today.
The police later raided another condominium in Danga Bay, where the suspected ringleader, also 33, and his foreign girlfriend were arrested after drugs, including cannabis-infused cakes and cookies, were found.
"The cannabis-laced products were likely made for internal use among syndicate members as trial products before being marketed.
"The syndicate also produced cannabis oil for recreational consumption," Raub said.
All suspects were remanded for seven days until Oct 14 to assist police investigation into the case under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, in separate raids on Sunday, police arrested a man in Larkin and seized a packet of compressed cannabis.
Police seized RM102,150.95 worth of drugs including cannabis, cannabis-laced cakes and cookies, cookies and oil, heroin, and ketamine.