GEORGE TOWN: Penang police busted a drug processing laboratory and made various seizures including drugs and assets worth over RM650,000.

       Penang police chief Commissioner Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the Penang Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department carried out an operation in Central Seberang Prai on March 17 and arrested two men aged 30 and 41 who were allegedly involved in processing and distribution of drugs.

       "During the first raid at a house in Central Seberang Prai, police successfully seized 42 packets of heroin weighing a total of 18.54kg worth RM247,230; two pieces of heroin base weighing 745g worth RM96,180; one packet of syabu weighing 895g worth RM32,220; and one translucent package containing caffeine powder weighing 16.275kg worth RM5,530.

       "The police also seized various equipment and chemicals to process heroin," he said during a press conference at the Penang police contingent headquarters on Monday (March 21).

       Comm Mohd Shuhaily said a second raid was made in Central Seberang Prai where the head of the syndicate, a local, was arrested.

       "Investigations revealed that the syndicate had been active since July 2021. The seized drugs could have supported the habits of 190,000 drug addicts," said Comm Mohd Shuhaily.

       "Urine tests on the suspects were negative for drugs but both have previous criminal records for drugs. They will be remanded for seven days until March 24," he added.

       Meanwhile, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said the police also seized five vehicles worth RM259,500, jewellery worth RM2,340 and bank account funds of RM7,777 under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Forfeiture of Property) 1988.

       "The total amount of drugs and items seized is RM650,777," he said.

       The case will be investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.