Two arrested in Miri as RM426,600 worth of narcotics seized

KUCHING: Sarawak narcotics police arrested two local men last week in separate operations in Miri and confiscated more than RM400,000 worth of assorted drugs.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the seized narcotics, comprising 12.92kg of Ecstasy mixture drugs, 8.3kg of syabu, 1.70g of ketamine, and 0.3g of Ecstasy pills, have an estimated street value of RM426,200, and could cater to 84,597 users.

The operations were conducted by the state Narcotics Investigation Department (NCID) and Miri NCID on Jan 19 and Jan 21.

Mancha talking to reporters, accompanied by (from left) Ibrahim, Lukas, Alexson, Wong, and Mustafa.

Mancha detailed the first case at a press conference at the Sarawak Contingent police headquarters (IPK) media centre: “On Jan 19, around 9.15 pm behind a restaurant, a 26-year-old man was arrested with two plastic packets containing 54.7g of Ecstasy mixture drugs. Subsequently, the suspect led police to an apartment in Taman Piasau Indah.

“Police seized 12.87kg of Ecstasy mixture drugs, 1.70g of ketamine, and 0.3g of Ecstasy pills. The total seizure value is estimated at RM152,700.”

The suspect, paid RM1,000 weekly, using the apartment for processing and packaging drugs, sourced from Miri accomplices, before distribution within the district.

In the second case, around 9 am at the Miri airport arrival hall, another 26-year-old man was arrested with eight plastic packages containing 8.3kg of syabu in his luggage.

The drugs, valued at RM273,900, and the suspect’s Perodua Myvi (worth RM11,800) were seized.

The apparatus used to process and package the Ecstasy mixture.

The eight plastic packages containing syabu.

“Investigations revealed that the second suspect was paid RM8,000 to transport the syabu drugs from the peninsula to Miri, with subsequent instructions to transport the same drugs to Sabah.

“The flights and accommodation are said to be paid for by the syndicate,” Mancha said.

Both suspects, who tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, have prior records related to drug and gambling offences.

They are remanded under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with the first suspect remanded until Jan 26 and the second until Jan 27.

Mancha displaying the bucket of orange powder, a mixture of Ecstasy and other drugs.

Mancha said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and up to 12 lashes of the cane upon conviction.

Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Ibrahim Daud, Sarawak NCID chief ACP Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah, Sarawak CPCCD chief SAC Lukas Aket, Sarawak CID chief SAC Wong Ing Fung, and Miri police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu were also present at the press conference.