KUCHING: On March 22, police stormed a drug-processing lab in an apartment in Batu Kawa, arresting two men suspected of drug trafficking, I Love Borneo reported.
The raid conducted by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department of the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters on Friday afternoon led to the seizure of 11.9kg of methamphetamine (syabu) and 66g of Ketamine.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata reported that the drugs, valued at approximately RM394,000, could supply 59,632 drug addicts.
"The suspects, aged 26 and 29, are believed to have received drug supplies from the Peninsula, delivered via courier services, earning between RM10,000 and RM25,000 for distributing drugs around Kuching," he disclosed in a press conference at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters.
The police suspect that the apartment also functioned as a lab for purifying the drugs before distribution, as evidenced by the discovery of 22 items believed to be used for drug processing. This process aimed to enhance the quality of the drugs, thereby increasing their market value.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects' involvement with the drug syndicate since 2022. Urine tests indicated that the 29-year-old tested positive for drugs, while the other suspect tested negative. Only the 29-year-old had prior offences related to Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15(1) of the same act.
Assets seized from the suspects included a car, a gold chain, and a crossbody bag, collectively valued at RM62,345.60. The suspects are currently remanded until March 30 for further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction, and whipping of up to 12 strokes if not sentenced to death.
From January to March 24, Sarawak police have detained 2,887 individuals for various drug offences, with 169 identified as distributors, confiscating drugs worth RM9.2 million and assets worth RM1.4 million from drug syndicates.