TANJUNG MALIM: A 27-year-old man, who was nabbed with a couple who had RM2 million worth of syabu (methamphetamines) in their possession, was only paid RM100 for his role in accompanying them to transport the drugs.
This was established after police nabbed the trio at a car park at the Slim Perdana commercial centre in Taman Sri Jaya, Slim River on Monday.
Also found in the Proton Preve the trio were in were 51.96 kilos of syabu, packed in 50 plastic packets and hid in clothing bags in the trunk.
Federal Narcotic Criminal Investigation Department director, Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin, said police had received information from Perlis police on the drugs shipment.
Khaw said checks showed that the main suspect, acting as the transporter, was paid RM2,000 to deliver the goods from a northern state to the Klang Valley.
The main suspect, 25, was accompanied by his wife, 25, as well as his friend, who was the other suspect.
"The main suspect, whom we refer to as B1, was paid RM2,000 per trip. He was assisted by his friend, B2, who was paid RM100 by B1 for his troubles.
"B1's wife, whom we refer to as B3, was with them for the trip," he said at a press conference at the Muallim police headquarters today.
Also present were acting Perak police chief Deputy Commissioner Zulkafli Sariaat and Muallim police chief Superintendent Mohd Hasni Mohd Nasir.
Khaw said only the main suspect, B1, tested positive for drug use. He also had a prior criminal record for drugs.
Khaw said the drugs were believed to have been smuggled in from a neighbouring country in the north.
Police believe that the activities were conducted by the same syndicate police had previously crippled in the Klang Valley where 320kg of drugs were seized. This, said Khaw, was based on a similar modus operandi and drug packaging.
"We believe the syndicate became active early this year. We had previously made several arrests in the Klang Valley involving the same syndicate.
"Our arrests usually involved transporters, runners and assistants. But when they are nabbed, the syndicate would replace them. This is our third arrest from the same syndicate.
"We are still establishing who their upline is. We won't stop here. We will establish the 'family tree' and see how they are connected," he said.
Khaw said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. All three suspects have been remanded for a week from Nov 12.