Johor Bahru:Johor Police uncovered a significant illegal drug-processing laboratory in Johor, seizing drugs valued at RM18.2 million during two raids in Seri Alam and South Johor Bahru on October 1.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that the raids, which were based on intelligence from the Seri Alam District Narcotics Crime Investigation Division, resulted in the arrest of three individuals. The suspects, comprising two men and a woman aged between 17 and 22, were apprehended at a terrace house in Taman Megah Ria, Masai, used as the illegal lab.

The operation led to the seizure of 101.64 kilograms of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 14 liters of liquid drugs, 122.14 grams of ecstasy powder, 7.56 grams of Erimin 5 pills, a forklift, and various drug-processing equipment and precursors. A subsequent raid at a shophouse on Jalan Permas, used as a storage site, uncovered an additional 106.84 kilograms of MDMA, 14 liters of liquid MDMA, 23 liters of liquid cannabis, ecstasy powder, and Erimin 5 pills.

The illegal laboratory was reportedly equipped to process large quantities of various drugs. The syndicate, active since June of the previous year, was involved in distributing drugs locally and internationally. The male suspects acted as coordinators and syndicate members, while the 17-year-old female suspect, identified as the girlfriend of one of the men, is under investigation for her involvement.

All suspects were charged in court on October 12 of the previous year, with the case being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.