POLICE have smashed a drug trafficking ring following the arrest of 14 suspects and seizure of drugs worth RM1.67 million in Johor.

Johor police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the arrests and seizure were made in nine raids in Kulai, Iskandar Puteri, Seri Alam and Mersing between January 5 and 14.

He said the suspects, aged between 21 and 48, comprised three men and three women. Six of the suspects are Malaysians while the others are foreigners.

“The syndicate’s modus operandi is to use gated and guarded condominiums to pack and store drugs before distributing them,” he told a press conference in Johor Baru today.

“A foreigner who drives a luxury car was among the key members of the syndicate nabbed. However, we are still hunting for the head of the syndicate.”

In the raids, police seized 70,004 Erimin 5 pills, 54.7g of syabu, 19 ecstasy pills, 3.7g of heroin, 2.4g of ketamine and one gramme of ganja.

Kamarul said a Maserati car valued at RM300,000, jewellery worth RM44,000 and a RM45,000 wristwatch were also seized.

The seized drugs are believed to be meant for distribution in the local market, especially entertainment centres, he said.

Kamarul said nine of the suspects tested positive for drugs and have criminal records.

He said all the suspects have been remanded for seven days beginning January 15 to help in investigations under section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. – Bernama, January 16, 2023.