IPOH: Three men have been arrested for their suspected involvement in a drug-trafficking syndicate, with drugs worth more than RM200,000 seized in separate raids here.
Acting Perak police chief Deputy Commissioner Zulkafli Sariaat said acting on a tip-off, police detained a 41-year-old man at 6pm on Oct 31.
"Police discovered 42 transparent plastic packets containing a substance believed to be heroin, estimated to weigh 18.9kg, and two compressed blocks of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, weighing 961g, at a house in Jalan St John here on Nov 7.
"The total estimated value of the seized drugs is RM200,400," he told reporters at the Perak police headquarters here today.
Zulkafli said the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and had a criminal record related to drug offences.
Following the arrest of the first suspect, he said, police detained the syndicate leader, a 33-year-old man, in Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab at 1.30pm on Nov 8.
"The police also detained another male suspect, aged 45, at a house in Taman Mas here at 2pm on the same day.
"Urine tests on both suspects found them negative for drugs, while the third suspect had a criminal record related to drug and criminal offences."
Zulkafli said police also seized two cars, a motorcycle, and jewellery, with an estimated total value of RM105,680.
He said investigations revealed that the syndicate had been active since August this year.
The seized drugs were intended for local distribution, capable of supplying 26,000 drug addicts, he added.
All suspects are remanded between five and 12 days to assist in investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.