Johor Bahru Utara police chief Balveer Singh said three suspects, aged between 27 and 42, were detained following intelligence gathered by the narcotics criminal investigation department.

“During the raid, authorities found 8,162g of suspected MDMA powder, 2,463.62g of ecstasy powder, 24.73g of ketamine, 6.40g of ecstasy pills and 3.29g of Erimin 5 pills at the suspects’ residence,” Bernama reported him as saying.

Balveer said investigations revealed that one of the suspects was an active distributor, while the other two suspects – a shop assistant and a construction contractor – obtained their supply from him.

The syndicate is believed to have been operating since April, with the house serving as a processing site for ecstasy powder before distribution to regular customers.

All three suspects, who have prior drug-related criminal records, tested positive for methamphetamine. They are currently under remand until Oct 29 to assist in the investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking, which provides for the death penalty or up to 30 years’ imprisonment, and at least 12 strokes of the rotan.