IPOH: A 47-year-old man with an extensive criminal history – 23 records in total – was among five individuals arrested in a drug trafficking raid at a house in Chui Chak, Hilir Perak.
Perak police chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said that the raid, conducted at 8pm on Thursday, was executed based on a tip-off, catching the suspects off guard.
He said during the operation, police discovered four packets of suspected heroin weighing 4.21g, four packets of suspected methamphetamine (3.12g), and 13 packets of crystal lumps believed to be methamphetamine, totaling an estimated 21.86kg.
"Urine screening tests conducted on the suspects revealed that all tested positive for methamphetamine," he told newsmen at the Perak police contingent headquarters today.
Azizi said the primary suspect, who has 23 criminal records – 18 related to drug offences and five to other crimes – is characterised as a hardened drug distributor deeply involved in various criminal activities.
The other four suspects each have three to five prior records.
He said initial investigations suggested that this syndicate began operating in September.
"The seized drugs are believed to be intended for distribution within the local market and throughout the state, potentially serving up to 218,664 drug addicts," he said, adding that police also seized two cars and a motorcycle during the raid.
Azizi said all five suspects had been remanded for seven days, from Oct 11 to 17, to facilitate ongoing investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with up to 12 strokes of the cane if convicted.
He said that this success reflected the ongoing cooperation between the community and law enforcement agencies, particularly the police.
He urged the public to continue providing information related to drug activities to enhance enforcement efforts and help keep the state free from drug threats.