GEORGE TOWN: Police crippled a heroin distribution syndicate with the arrests of five people, including a foreigner, in separate raids across Seberang Prai Utara yesterday.
The operation, from 1pm to 4am, also resulted in the seizure of drugs worth over RM100,000.
Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the first raid took place at a livestock farm in Tasek Gelugor, where three men were arrested.
He said authorities seized 22 plastic packages containing white/yellowish substance, suspected to be heroin, weighing 10.02kg with an estimated value of RM96,250.
"Following the arrests, police managed to nab another two suspects in separate raids.
"We were then led to a room in the Mak Mandin area. There, we seized an additional 2.95kg of heroin worth RM28,300," he said this evening, adding that the syndicate has been active since the middle of 2024.
Hamzah said the drugs seized could have been used by up to 650,000 people.
"Investigations revealed four of the suspects had criminal records, while one tested positive for methamphetamine.
"In addition to the drugs, authorities also confiscated vehicles, jewelry, and cash totaling RM186,813, bringing the overall value of the bust to RM311,363.
"All five suspects, aged between 21 and 42, are now in police custody for further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
"They will remain in detention for six days until Jan 15," he added.