JOHOR BAHRU: A syndicate processing and selling ketum that has been in operation for five years and led by a former civil servant, has been busted following a raid around here on Dec 22.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the mastermind, aged 35, was arrested along with his wife, 36, who did the accounts, and two male workers in an operation conducted between 2.45 am and 6 pm.
Their arrests were the result of investigations into a lorry driver arrested on Dec 21 at the Simpang Renggam rest area, on suspicions of delivering 700 kilogrammes (kg) of ketum. The driver also tested positive for methamphetamine.
"The syndicate rented a factory in Kempas for around RM1,000 a month and turned it into a ketum processing and packaging centre.
"They have been raking in around profits of RM120,000 to RM200,000 a month from the sale of ketum leaves and water. They are believed to have obtained their supply from the north smuggled in fruit trucks," he told reporters at a media conference here today.
Ayob Khan said processing and selling ketum had gained popularity recently due to its high market price and demand, with current prices for ketum leaves being RM35 to RM80 a kg, while a 1.5 litre bottle of ketum water is priced between RM13 and RM25.
He said the former civil servant, his wife and one of the male workers also tested positive for methamphetamine.
Ayob Khan said 75.55 kg of ketum leaves, 60 bottles of ketum water and processing equipment worth a total of RM1,655 were also seized during the raid.
He added that the four had been remanded for five days starting Dec 22 under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952.
Ayob Khan also said that the police had subsequently arrested eight male civil servants, aged 25 to 39, around the district and Kulai to determine if they were conspiring with the syndicate's mastermind or involved in the use of ketum.
"We will conduct drug tests and investigate whether they were aiding the syndicate to conduct its activities without disruption from the authorities," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Dec 27 2021
A syndicate processing and selling ketum that has been in operation for five years and led by a former civil servant, has been busted following a raid around here on Dec 22, said Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. - Astro AWANI
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.