Penang: Penang police have busted a syndicate involved in processing methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) following the arrest of two men and the seizure of various drugs worth RM2.2 million during a raid in Gelugor here.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Acting Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin stated that a team from the State Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) conducted the raid at a luxury condominium unit in an operation that began at 3 pm on Wednesday. During the raid, a 62-year-old man was arrested, and it was discovered that the condominium unit was being used as a drug-processing facility for MDMA. The police seized MDMA repackaged into 150 instant drink sachets, nine plastic bottles containing the same drug, totaling 13,456 grammes, two ecstasy pills, one Erimin 5 pill, and various drug-processing equipment.

Mohd Alwi further noted the arrest of a second suspect, a 40-year-old property agent, in the same area. Both men are believed to be involved in processing MDMA for distribution to entertainment outlets in Penang. Investigations revealed that the syndicate obtained drug supplies through their network, reprocessed, and packaged them into instant drink sachets sold at RM300 per packet. The operation also resulted in the seizure of RM1,220 in cash and two vehicles valued at RM71,220.

Additional investigations disclosed that the syndicate had rented the condominium unit for RM3,000 a month over the past three months and was believed to have been operating since March. Both suspects tested positive for drugs and had two previous drug-related records, with the elderly man having been released from prison late last year.

The drugs seized could supply around 100,000 addicts. Both men have been remanded for seven days until July 23 to facilitate investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.