JASIN: Police have crippled a drug distribution operation worth RM6.8 million, run single-handedly by a 27-year-old swimming coach.
The suspect was detained around 11.30am yesterday during a roadblock at the Lipat Kajang Toll Plaza, after police became suspicious of his Toyota Vios which was travelling from Johor.
Jasin police chief Superintendent Lee Robert said an inspection of the vehicle uncovered 3.70g of ketamine and 27.50kg of MDMA concealed in boxed-drink packets.
"Further investigations led to a follow-up raid at a condominium unit in Crescent Bay Suites, Johor Baru, at 4.50am today. The unit had been used as a drug storage facility and repackaging laboratory.
"An inspection of the unit led to the seizure of various drugs, including 17.8kg of MDMA, 29g of liquid and powdered ketamine, 21.60g of Erimin 5 pills and 32.2g of ecstasy pills," he said at a press conference at the Jasin police headquarters.
Lee said the suspect, who is from Johor, repackaged the drugs himself in juice packets before distributing them to entertainment outlets at prices ranging from RM300 to RM600 per packet.
"The total value of the drugs seized in both raids is estimated at RM6.808 million. Police also seized various equipment believed to have been used in the drug packaging operation," he said.
He said a urine screening test found the suspect positive for ketamine, adding that he had been involved in the activity since early this year.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days until Oct 21 to facilitate investigations into drug trafficking and self-administration under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Lee said police were tracing other members of the distribution network and identifying the source of the drug supply.
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