BUTTERWORTH: Police here crippled a drug syndicate with the arrest of a car wash worker and the seizure of drugs worth RM146,774 in two raids across Seberang Jaya here.

       Penang Narcotics Crime Investigations Department chief Asst Comm Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah said the 37-year-old man arrested during the first raid on Sunday (Nov 14) is believed to be involved with distributing syabu, ganja and heroin for the local market.

       "We seized six ganja blocks totalling 6.4kg worth RM15,000 in the first raid. From there, we were directed to a second location at a flat in Seberang Jaya, where we seized another 21kg of drugs," he said during a press conference at the Penang police contingent headquarters here on Wednesday (Nov 17).

       He said among the drugs seized were 12.4kg of ganja, 1.8kg of syabu packets, one 375 grams of heroin base and 6.6kg of caffeine powder.

       "The total drug seizure was estimated to be worth RM146,774 and can be used by 72,000 addicts. This drug syndicate is believed to have been active since June this year and the drugs are believed to be for the local market," said ACP Mustafa.

       "The man arrested also tested positive for methamphetamine and was found to have had no prior drug records.

       ACP Mustafa said the suspect was under remand for seven days until Nov 21.

       "The case will be investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 where offenders face a death penalty or life imprisonment, with whipping of no less than 15 strokes, upon conviction.

       Meanwhile, in a separate operation codenamed Op Sarang, police crippled another drug syndicate with the arrest of 66 local men and three foreigners of ages of 19 to 60 years old in the North Seberang Prai district on the mainland and the south-west district on the island.

       ACP Mustafa said the operation involved the narcotics team, marine police and the police stations in the North Seberang Prai district and the southwest district as well as the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).

       "The operation on Monday (Nov 15) saw drugs like heroin, syabu and ketum worth RM1,768 seized.

       "The individuals arrested are being investigated under different sections.

       He said 12 were investigated under Section 39A(1), another 12 under Section 12(3) and seven others under Section 3(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

       One is investigated under Section 3(1) of Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, three under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and 27 under Section 3 (1) of Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.

       "The remaining four were arrested with warrants.

       ACP Mustafa said up to Nov this year (2021), police conducted 30 Op Sarang across the state, arresting 609 individuals.

       "From Jan to Nov this year, the Penang Narcotics Criminal Investigations Department arrested 6,778 individuals and seized drugs worth over RM112mil. Assets worth over RM31mil were seized as well," he added.