Johor bahru: Johor police have busted a methamphetamine distribution syndicate, seizing 20.2 kilogrammes worth RM1.01 million in a raid on a house at Taman Mount Austin here. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said a 36-year-old man was arrested in the raid at about 7.40 pm on March 14. He said police found 21 packages suspected to contain methamphetamine in a Perodua Alza parked at the residence.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amount of drugs seized could potentially harm 101,140 users, as stated by Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad during a press conference at the Johor contingent police headquarters. Initial investigations revealed that the suspect acted as a distributor around Johor Bahru, with the syndicate believed to have been active since December last year.

Ab Rahaman explained that the syndicate used the vehicle as a temporary storage before distributing the drugs to the local market. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and a minimum of 12 lashes on conviction.

An initial urine test showed the suspect was negative for drugs. He has been remanded for five days from March 15 to 19 to assist in further investigations. Ab Rahaman noted that checks on the suspect's record showed he has seven prior criminal offences, including murder, drug distribution, rioting, sabotage, and offences related to explosives and weapons.

Members of the public with information on drug-related activities can contact the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department at 012-208 7222.