JOHOR BARU: Police uncovered a drug processing laboratory concealed within a barn in a cattle farm near Kampung Pengkalan Batu, Mersing, on Tuesday and detained three local men.
Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din said the suspects, aged between 33 and 52, arrested in the 4 pmraid, worked on the cattle farm.
He said police seized 186.7 kg of chocolate coloured liquid believed to be (unprocessed) drugs, meth oil (11.60 kg), ephedrine (2.02 kg) and red phosphorus (11.80 kg), 10 plastic containers of sodium hydroxide, one bottle of acetic acid, five plastic bottles of hydrochloric acid and two bottles of ethanol absolute.
“The overall value of the drugs seized was RM350,000,” he told a press conference, here today.
Mohd Kamarudin said in addition to the drugs and chemicals, police also seized various laboratory equipment used to process the drugs such as metal and plastic barrels, gas tank, metal pot and two gas stoves.
Police also seized jewellery and three vehicles worth RM250,000.
Mohd Kamarudin said the three suspects had no prior criminal records and tested negative for drugs.
“Police are still investigating whether there were other suspects involved in the illicit operation, for which markets the processed drugs were being distributed and how long this activity has been going on.
“Usually, strong odours are released when preparing the drugs. The suspects preferred to operate in remote areas to avoid detection. This area, which is relatively hidden, was seen as a suitable location for their operations,” he said.
All the suspects have been remanded for seven days from Aug 28 to Sept 3 for further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He said, from January to Aug 28 this year, Johor police had arrested 13,214 individuals for various drug offences and seized 2,761 kg of drugs worth RM127.96 million. - Bernama
