A major drug trafficking syndicate operating in Johor Bahru has been dismantled, with authorities revealing that the group was also involved in counterfeiting documents, including Singaporean driving licences and Malaysian identification cards (ICs). The Johor Police arrested two suspects and conducted four raids, seizing 21.8kg of ecstasy powder, methamphetamine, and liquid drugs worth RM3.68 million (SGD 1.1 million).
The Johor police have uncovered a criminal operation involving both drug trafficking and document counterfeiting, following an extensive investigation that led to four separate raids in Johor Bahru on January 13, 2025. The two main suspects, aged 30 and 33, were arrested after being found in possession of a large stash of drugs, including ecstasy powder and liquid narcotics, along with fake identification cards, banknotes, and counterfeit bank cards.
The police revealed that the syndicate had been active since December 2024, running an elaborate network that distributed drugs while simultaneously producing fake documents. Johor Police Chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar explained that the suspects had used residential properties in gated communities to store and repackage drugs for local distribution.
“This syndicate not only trafficked drugs but also produced counterfeit identification documents and Singaporean driving licences,” he stated.
Large Quantity of Drugs and Fake Documents Seized
During the raids, police confiscated 21.8kg of ecstasy powder, 1.4g of methamphetamine, and 40 litres of an unidentified liquid suspected to be narcotics. Authorities also seized fake ICs, banknotes in RM20, RM50, and RM100 denominations, 10 forged bank cards, and a counterfeit car registration card.
“The total value of the drugs seized stands at RM3.68 million (SGD 1.1 million),” added Comm Kumar.
Syndicate Used Stolen Vehicles for Operations
Further investigations revealed that the syndicate used multiple vehicles to transport and conceal drugs, including a stolen car reported missing from Kajang.
“One of the vehicles used by the suspects had been stolen, and we are still investigating their wider operations,” said Kumar, confirming that the police are tracking down other syndicate members.
Suspects Tested Positive for Drugs
The two arrested suspects tested positive for methamphetamine use and were found to have previous criminal records related to drug offences. Both men have been remanded for 12 days to assist in ongoing investigations.
“The syndicate’s operations extend beyond drug distribution; we are also investigating the extent of their counterfeiting network,” stated Kumar.
The Johor Narcotics Department has reported a significant increase in drug seizures since the start of 2025, with 157kg of drugs and 311 litres of liquid narcotics worth RM21.8 million (SGD 6.5 million) confiscated in just 21 days. Authorities have also seized RM613,059 (SGD 51,884) worth of assets related to drug operations.
Police urge anyone with information to contact the Johor Narcotics Hotline at 012-208 7222.
This case highlights the growing concerns over cross-border crime, particularly with fake identification documents being produced in Johor. For Singaporean authorities and businesses, this underscores the need for enhanced security checks and verification processes. Meanwhile, for international visitors, stricter border controls may be implemented to prevent fraudulent documents from being used for travel and financial transactions.
Sources: The Star, Free Malaysia Today (2025)
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