Penang: Police have arrested four individuals, including a married couple, and seized drugs worth RM1.1 million in a series of raids conducted from Monday to yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail stated that acting on a tip-off and intelligence gathered, a team from the State Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) carried out raids at four locations in the city. The operation led to the arrest of three men and a woman, all locals aged between 30 and 33.

Following the arrests, the police revealed drug trafficking activities and discovered a facility functioning as a drug-processing and packaging center for the syndicate. The raids, which included a condominium used as a drug storage facility, resulted in the seizure of six black plastic packets containing MDMA weighing 69.4g, three plastic bags containing 2,901g of MDMA, and three bottles containing 4,160g of the substance.

Additionally, the police seized five vehicles, including a Lexus, a Perodua Myvi, a Toyota Altis, and a motorcycle. Jewellery was also confiscated, with the total value of these assets amounting to RM417,325. The seized drugs had the potential to supply up to 50,000 addicts.

Azizee explained that the syndicate, led by the married couple who were traders, obtained MDMA from a network and repackaged it for distribution to entertainment centers across Penang. Investigations indicated that the syndicate had been involved in these activities since early this year, and the suspects were suspected of leading lavish lifestyles funded by their illegal operations.

Further investigations are ongoing to trace the syndicate’s network. One of the suspects tested positive for drugs, and it was found that the three men had prior criminal records, including drug-related offenses.

All suspects have been remanded for five days, until September 27, to assist in investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.