(Miri, 14th) Miri District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bing Chiang, stated that based on intelligence, the Sarawak Police Headquarters Narcotics Crime Investigation Division launched two raids in Miri between 10:00pm and 10:10pm on the 5th of this month. The operations successfully resulted in the arrest of one local male and the seizure of drugs estimated to be worth about RM634,687.50.
He said that in the first operation, police intercepted and arrested a 33-year-old man at the roadside in the Desa Murni area of Permyjaya, seizing about 150 grams of suspected MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, a synthetic hallucinogenic amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulant, commonly known as 'Ecstasy' or 'E-pill'). Following this, under the suspect's guidance, police conducted a second raid at a residence in the same area, where they seized approximately 33,700 grams of suspected MDMA.
He pointed out that the total value of drugs seized in this operation was RM634,687.50, which is estimated to be enough for about 4,010 people to abuse.
Preliminary urine tests showed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and has no previous criminal record. The case is currently being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which, if convicted, carries the death penalty or life imprisonment; if the death penalty is not imposed, not less than 12 strokes of the cane must be administered.
The suspect has been remanded for investigation under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with an initial 6-day detention (6th to 11th April), followed by a further 6-day extension (12th to 17th April) to assist with the ongoing investigation.
He added that the police are actively pursuing other members of the syndicate who are still at large, with efforts to completely dismantle the drug trafficking network. The public is also urged to continue providing information to jointly combat drug-related crimes. Members of the public can contact the Miri District Police Headquarters hotline at 085-433700 or 085-433400, or provide leads at the nearest police station.
