KOTA TINGGI, Jan 18 — The Johor police have confirmed that there are no mini drug processing laboratories (mini-labs) in Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlements or other rural areas of the state, dismissing claims that these locations are being used for organised drug operations.
State police chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said that, in the context of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), a mini-lab refers to a drug processing facility that operates on a large-scale, organised basis, rather than the small-scale packaging done at home.
He said that there were cases of addicts packaging drugs into small packets for sale or personal use.
“Some addicts in the Felda settlements sell (drugs) in small amounts for their own needs. We cannot call that a mini-lab,” he said as a guest at the Bernama Mobile Studio on the topic 'Jerat Halusinasi: Antara Penjara dan Jalan Pemulihan' at Felda Bukit Waha today.
The programme was held in conjunction with the Program Felda: Desaku Mendunia – Generasi Sihat, Komuniti Hebat, jointly organised by the National Anti-Drugs Agency and the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation.
Rahaman added that most addicts in rural areas, such as Felda settlements, were found using conventional drugs like marijuana and heroin, while synthetic drugs such as syabu and methamphetamine were more prevalent in urban areas and entertainment outlets.
“Some of the addicts in Felda settlements do use synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and syabu, but it is still under control and usage is low,” he said.
Acknowledging the existence of mini-labs in urban areas, Rahaman said they were run by organised syndicates using rented houses and apartments to process and distribute drugs on a large scale.
The syndicates operate across domestic and international markets, including neighbouring countries, processing drugs on both small and large scales.
Meanwhile, the state police remain committed to their fight against drugs, having dismantled hundreds of syndicates last year and seized drugs worth RM176.33 million.
He said the seizures included 544.31kg of methamphetamine, 147.78kg of heroin, 169.39kg of marijuana, and 1,464.72kg of ecstasy powder.
Rahaman also warned syndicates and drug pushers in the state to immediately cease their activities, stressing that Johor police would not compromise on the issue.
A total enforcement would be implemented this year, with increased intelligence and statewide operations to stop these activities from spreading.
