Kuala lumpur: Police seized 3.1 kilograms (kg) of drugs suspected to be methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) worth RM470,000 following the arrest of a local man during a raid at a village house in Teluk Air Tawar, Butterworth, last Monday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Police Chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng stated that the 37-year-old suspect, employed in the recycling sector, was apprehended by a team from the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) of the Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) District Police Headquarters. The arrest was made possible through detailed information and intelligence gathered by the authorities.

"Upon searching the premises, police seized 3.1 kg of drugs suspected to be MDMA estimated to be worth RM470,000," Lim disclosed during a press conference at the Timur Laut District Police Headquarters (IPD) earlier today. He further explained that the drugs were likely intended for distribution in the nightclub market, where they would be sold at approximately RM150 per sachet to customers.

The suspect is currently under remand for seven days, up until July 27, to aid in investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

In a separate development, Lim reported on the efforts of the Penang Criminal Investigation Department (CID) during the World Cup tournament. Under Op Soga XI, conducted from June 11 to July 19, a total of 31 raids targeting gambling activities were executed. These operations resulted in the arrest of 36 individuals, including 33 men and three women.

Of the 31 investigation papers that were opened, 24 cases have proceeded to court, with 23 accused individuals pleading guilty. One case remains under trial, while four other investigation papers are undergoing further examination. Additionally, three cases were categorized as no further action (NFA) due to insufficient evidence.

Lim confirmed that all gambling-related cases are being investigated under the Open House Gambling Act 1953.