Police dismantle major drug syndicate in Sibu
SIBU: Police have dismantled a major drug trafficking syndicate operating in Sibu for nearly a decade, seizing drugs and assets totalling RM8.5mil.
This is the largest in Sarawak's history.
Two suspects, a 52-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, believed to be the masterminds, were arrested during the raids.
"The raids were conducted on June 12 and 13 at three locations: a shop lot in Pusat Pedada and two terrace houses in Lorong Permai Jaya, following intelligence gathered on the syndicate's activities," said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata on Monday (June 16).
Mancha said police seized drugs worth an estimated RM532,934.40, including 7,086.7 grams of syabu (methamphetamine), 2,078.9 grams of ketamine, and 2,022.6 grams of Erimin 5 pills.
'The total amount of drugs seized is enough to supply about 49,702 drug addicts,' Mancha said.
In addition to the narcotics, police confiscated high-value assets believed to be proceeds from the drug trade, valued at RM7,997,450. These include RM5,157,450 in cash, four gold bars, two gold chains, three Rolex watches, and luxury vehicles: a Lexus RX350F Sport, a Lexus ES250, and a Toyota Vios.
Police also seized various items used in the syndicate's operations, including bank cards, house keys, and drug packaging equipment.
According to Mancha, initial investigations revealed that the duo had been running the operation since 2015, obtaining drug supplies from Peninsular Malaysia via courier services and distributing them in Sibu.
"Both suspects tested negative for drug use and have no prior criminal records. They are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment with no less than 12 strokes of the cane if the death penalty is not imposed," he explained.
The suspects have been remanded for seven days from June 13 to 20 to assist with investigations.
Mancha added that police are actively pursuing other syndicate members still at large to completely dismantle the network.
He emphasised the commitment of the police, particularly the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, to fighting drug-related crime, one of the nation's most serious threats. The public is urged to report any drug-related activity via the JSJN hotline at 012-2087222.
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