JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 3 — Johor police have uncovered a drug syndicate disguising illicit substances as beverage packets, including coffee and juice, following two separate raids in the city late last month.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said the raids, conducted from 2.15pm on July 25 to 12.30am on July 26, led to the seizure of drugs worth over RM4.9 million.
A 31-year-old Vietnamese woman, believed to be the key figure behind the repackaging operation, was arrested in an apartment during the first raid.
“She tested positive for ketamine, and further investigation led to a second raid the next day at another apartment used for drug repackaging,” he told a press conference today.
In total, the police seized 29,219g of Ecstasy powder, 131 Ecstasy pills, and 20g of ketamine, enough for an estimated 97,849 addicts if distributed.
Also confiscated were drug processing tools, RM3,000 in cash, SG$193 (RM617.60), and jewellery worth over RM34,000, bringing the total seizure value to RM4,939,778.60.
Kumar added that the syndicate mixed drugs with coffee powder and flavourings, then sealed them in commercial-style drink sachets to avoid detection and facilitate local distribution.
Each sachet was sold at around RM250, and the group is believed to have operated through online platforms and a network of local distributors.
The police are also seeking a 35-year-old Sarawakian man, Terrence Ki Kek Ding, to facilitate investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. The Vietnamese suspect has been remanded until Friday (August 8).
