JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested seven suspects, including two women, and confiscated drugs and vehicles worth RM1.7mil in separate raids.

       State police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the first raid on Aug 3 at around midnight saw the arrest of three men, aged between 29 and 40, at a housing area in Bandar Seri Alam.

       “During the raid, 5.2kg of syabu worth RM187,848 was seized.

       “Other items confiscated include four vehicles worth RM368,000, RM4,810 in cash and personal belongings worth RM37,000 while a bank account with RM100,000 was frozen,” he told a press conference yesterday.

       He said the syndicate had been active since early this year and that all three suspects tested positive for methamphetamine.

       “Background checks showed the suspects have prior cases involving drugs and other crimes,” he said, adding that the drugs were for the local market.

       In a separate raid, Comm Ayob Khan said four people, including two women, aged between 30 and 43, were nabbed at a housing area in Batu Pahat.

       “The midnight raid on Aug 7 until 3.30am the next day saw the seizure of 29.4kg of syabu worth over RM1mil. We arrested the first suspect with syabu in his possession on the premises.

       “Checks showed the 43-year-old suspect has prior cases involving drugs and other crimes. He also tested positive for morphine use,” he said.

       Comm Ayob Khan said that in a follow-up raid, another man and two women, with prior records, were also arrested.

       He said the syndicate would use a tekong (skipper) to smuggle drugs into a neighbouring country through the sea route.

       “The syndicate has been active since July this year,” said Comm Ayob Khan, adding that the drugs from both cases could cater to 173,450 drug addicts.

       Both cases will be investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries the mandatory death penalty.