PENAMPANG: Police crippled a major drug distribution syndicate with the seizure of 537.804kg of various drugs worth RM69.6 million and the arrest of four local individuals in a series of operations in Penampang under Op Bayu 2.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the operation was carried out by the Sabah Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) following intelligence on drug trafficking activities.
The first arrest was made at about 5.45am on Feb 5 at the lower ground parking area of T1 Bundusan, Penampang, where two local men were detained after attempting to flee in a white four-wheel-drive vehicle.
A search of the vehicle uncovered three brown boxes containing 20 packets each filled with crystalline substances suspected to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 101.7kg and valued at RM5.66 million.
Following the initial arrest, police launched a series of follow-up operations at several locations in Penampang and Kota Kinabalu, including Millennium Heights, Forest Hill Residences and Taman Seri Rasa, Luyang.
Further inspections led to the discovery of large quantities of drugs including syabu, ecstasy powder, ecstasy pills, ketamine and Eramin 5, as well as sealing machines and weighing scales believed to have been used for repackaging the drugs.
He noted that the total seizure comprised 111.3kg of syabu, 419.62kg of ecstasy powder, 6.787kg of ecstasy pills, 71.03gm of ketamine and 25.62gm of Eramin 5, bringing the estimated overall value to RM69,659,206.
Police said the drugs seized were capable of supplying more than 339,000 users in a single consumption.
“The four suspects, including three men and one woman, are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction,” he said.
Initial urine screening found three of the suspects tested positive for drugs.
Police also seized several vehicles, mobile phones and cash believed to be linked to the trafficking activities.
Mohd Khalid said the success was the result of continuous intelligence efforts and cooperation from the public.
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