Drug bust in Miri: Apartment raid, airport arrests net over RM420,000 worth of narcotics

Mancha (third right) showing a bucket of ecstacy mixed powder as well as other drugs and paraphernalia seized from two operations in Miri during a press conference at the Sarawak Police Headquarters on Jan 24, 2024.

KUCHING, Jan 24: The Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit of the Sarawak Police apprehended two 26-year-old individuals and seized illicit substances valued at RM426,600 during separate operations in Miri on Jan 19 and 21.

Sarawak Commissioner of Police Dato Mancha Ata revealed that on Jan 19, at approximately 9.15pm, a team of police officers detained a man behind a restaurant and confiscated two packets containing 54.7 grammes of a suspected ecstasy mixture.

“Subsequently, the suspect led the police to an apartment in Taman Piasau Indah, where they discovered 12.873 kilogrammes of suspected ecstasy mixture, 1.70 grammes of ketamine, and 0.3 grammes of ecstasy pills.

“The total value of the seized drugs amounted to approximately RM152,700,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Police Headquarters here today.

The arrested suspect, who tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine in a urine test, has a history of four serious criminal records related to drugs and gambling.

Unveiling the syndicate’s modus operandi, Mancha explained that the apartment served as a processing and packaging centre for drugs supplied by an accomplice in Miri.

“The drugs are packaged in ‘Juice Master’ before being distributed around Miri. He received payment of RM1,000 per week.

“The suspect has been remanded for six days, starting from Jan 21 to 26, under Section 117 of the Penal Code to facilitate investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he added.

On the second case, Mancha disclosed that the Narcotics Investigation Division from Miri headquarters arrested another individual along with his luggage containing 8.3 kilogrammes of drugs valued at approximately RM273,900 at the Miri Airport’s Arrival Hall around 9am.

“The police also seized the suspect’s Perodua Myvi worth RM11,800,” he said.

The urine test on this suspect returned positive for methamphetamine, and the individual has one serious criminal record related to drugs.

Providing details on the second case, Mancha explained that the suspect transported the drugs from Peninsula Malaysia into Miri, with the syndicate paying him RM8,000 for the task.

“The suspect was instructed to transport the drugs to Sabah, with the syndicate managing his flights and accommodations,” he added.

The second suspect has been remanded for five days, starting from Jan 22 to 27, under Section 117 of the Penal Code, to facilitate investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Both suspects could face life imprisonment and a maximum of 12 lashes if convicted.

Mancha emphasised that the police are actively investigating to trace the involved syndicate, while urging the public to report any information on drug activities through the JSJN Hotline at 012-2087222. — DayakDaily