POLICE have smashed a syndicate in Johor supplying drugs to prisoners at the Simpang Reggam prison in Johor, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said today.

The syndicate had been doing so since last year and was recently crippled with the help of the Prisons Department, he told reporters today.

Fuzi said a Bukit Aman team had stormed two premises in Johor and detained five syndicate members.

They seized 9kg of methamphetamine, 16kg of heroin, and 940 ecstasy pills.

“We found out that this syndicate was active in transporting drugs to the Simpang Renggam prison last year.

“The value of the drugs is estimated at around RM814,000. We also seized two cars and three motorcycles.

“Some jewellery and cash of RM22,000 were also seized. All the men arrested were between 26 and 30 years old,” he said, adding that their remand was until January 19 to assist police investigations.

Police had arrested four men from the syndicate in Johor last year, Bukit Aman Narcotics Department director Mohmad Salleh also said.

He said the men were responsible for ensuring the drugs entered the prison, likely with the help of prison officials.

“The syndicate had been active since 2017 and last year we caught four of their men.

“We believe they smuggled drugs through inmates entering the prison with the help of prison officials and wardens, but we are still investigating this matter,” Mohmad said.

He declined to comment when asked if any Simpang Renggam prison officials had been arrested. – January 14, 2019.