Police in Seberang Perai Tengah arrested seven foreigners and seized drugs believed to be MDMA powder and ketamine valued at an estimated RM1.08 million after raids at two premises in Bukit Tengah on 1 November, FMT reported.
A team from the district narcotics criminal investigation division raided both premises at about 12.50am following surveillance and intelligence gathering, according to Malay Mail.
District police chief ACP Nik Aminuddin Raja Abdullah said the seven suspects were six men and a woman aged between 25 and 38.
“Inspections at both premises led to the discovery and seizure of drugs believed to be MDMA powder and ketamine worth an estimated RM1.08 million,” he said in a statement.
Urine screening found two of the suspects positive for methamphetamine, with the other five testing negative.
Checks also found that none of the seven had drug-related or other criminal records before the raids.
All seven have been remanded for seven days, from 1 to 7 November, while investigators work the case. Police did not disclose the nationalities of the suspects.
The case is being investigated under Sections 39B, 12(3) and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which cover trafficking, possession and consumption of dangerous drugs.
Trafficking under Section 39B carries death or imprisonment for life on conviction, and at least 12 strokes of the cane where the death sentence is not imposed. The choice between the two rests with the court, after the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 removed the mandatory sentence. A trafficking charge may only be brought by or with the consent of the Public Prosecutor. Possession is punishable with a fine of up to RM100,000 or up to five years in jail, while consumption carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or up to two years.
Seberang Perai Tengah police are continuing investigations to trace the distribution network behind the haul.
MDMA, or methylenedioxy methamphetamine, is the compound behind ecstasy tablets and works as a synthetic stimulant that lifts energy and alters mood. Ketamine is an anaesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine, and is taken recreationally for its dissociative effect.
Bukit Tengah is a township in Bukit Mertajam, within the Seberang Perai Tengah district on the mainland side of Penang. Both premises were searched in the same early morning operation.
