ALOR STAR: Police have crippled a drug distribution syndicate following the arrest of nine men, including one Thai national, in three separate raids in Kuala Nerang on Thursday and Saturday.
State police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said that the raids resulted in the confiscation of over 20 kilogrammes (kg) of methamphetamine and 130kg of ketum leaves, with an estimated value exceeding RM730,000.
"In the initial raid on Thursday at 10.30pm, police detained a 52-year-old man in front of a residence in Kampung Lamdin, Naka, seizing a backpack containing over 18kg of methamphetamine.
"Subsequently, a raid was conducted at a residence in the same village at 11pm, leading to the arrest of six men, including a Thai national, all aged between 26 and 39," he said at a press conference at the state police headquarters today.
Fisol said that during a search at the storage area adjacent to the residence, a transparent plastic package containing approximately 22.90 grams of methamphetamine along with other paraphernalia were found.
"In addition, 18 black plastic packages containing ketum leaves weighing approximately 130kg were found behind the residence," he added.
He said that in the third raid on Saturday at 6am, two individuals aged 25 and 34 were detained at a petrol station in Kampung Padang Kerasak.
"Despite attempting to flee upon noticing police presence, both suspects were detained.
"Upon inspection of a discarded bag by the suspects, a transparent plastic package containing crystal methamphetamine and another containing methamphetamine weighing over 2kg were recovered," he added.
Fisol said that eight of the suspects detained tested positive for drugs, and had prior records.
"All suspects are remanded for seven days, and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he added.
In a separate development, police have identified 34 fatal accident-prone locations statewide in preparation for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities.
Fisol said that the police will intensify their focus on motorcycle-related accidents, as from January to March, 113 fatal accidents involving motorcycles were recorded.
"Op Selamat in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri will commence today until April 13, which spans six days with a total force of 193 police personnel.
"Kedah is among the states with the highest rates of accidents and fatalities. Additionally, the focus is also on ensuring smooth traffic flow on all major routes in Kedah," he added.
