A major drug processing syndicate in Melaka has been dismantled with the seizure of over half a tonne of narcotics, including MDMA disguised in beverages.

MELAKA: Police have dismantled a syndicate operating a major MDMA processing lab and seized drugs worth an estimated RM86.78 million following a series of raids this month.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the operation, based on intelligence, led to the arrest of five local suspects aged between 23 and 55.

The first raid on March 6 at a terrace house in Bertam led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 1.73 kilogrammes of Erimin 5 pills.

A second raid in Kenanga on March 8 resulted in two more arrests and the seizure of 10.88 kg of liquid MDMA and 2.75 kg of MDMA powder.

This led to a third raid the same day at a double-storey terrace house in Krubong, which uncovered the main processing facility.

Police seized 274.08 kg of liquid MDMA and 303.85 kg of MDMA powder at the Krubong location.

Also found were various types of equipment believed to have been used to process the drugs.

The total seizures comprised 284.96 kg of liquid MDMA, 306.60 kg of MDMA powder, 0.17 kg of ecstasy pills, 1.88 kg of Erimin 5 pills, and 1.01 kg of ketamine.

Investigations revealed the syndicate had been active in Melaka for about six months.

“The drug supply was believed to have been obtained from the Klang Valley before being processed and mixed into various types of beverages,” Hussein said.

These included juices, herbal drinks, chocolate drinks and tea, which were then discreetly distributed.

The beverages were sold to customers at entertainment centres around Melaka for between RM300 and RM500 per bottle.

“These drinks are not sold openly in the market or at regular premises and are only distributed within certain circles,” Hussein assured the public.

Investigations found the syndicate accepted orders via telephone, with police seizing a ledger book believed to contain transaction records.

Preliminary urine tests found one suspect tested positive for methamphetamine.

Two other suspects have previous criminal records related to drug offences.

Three suspects have been remanded for seven days until March 12, while two others are remanded until March 13.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction.

 The Sun Malaysia