Five arrested, including two Vietnamese nationals, in a major Johor Bahru drug bust on June 19

A coordinated series of raids led by Johor police has successfully dismantled a drug syndicate operating in Johor Bahru, seizing narcotics worth nearly RM3 million and arresting five suspects.

High-Value Seizure in Johor Bahru

In a decisive operation on June 19, Johor police arrested three local men and two Vietnamese women, aged between 29 and 46, during three separate raids between 12pm and 9pm in Johor Bahru. The operation, spearheaded by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) of the Johor police contingent, uncovered drug stashes valued at RM2.95 million (approx. SGD845,000).

Johor police chief CP Datuk M. Kumar revealed that all five individuals tested positive for methamphetamine use. Background checks showed three of them had prior criminal records, including drug offences, and were wanted under multiple sections of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Sophisticated Distribution Network

Authorities believe the syndicate used two apartment units and a gated terrace house as storage and repackaging sites. Communication with buyers was carried out through the messaging app WeChat, while deliveries were made using drop-off locations such as roadside areas, drains, and rubbish bins.

“All transactions were conducted online, eliminating physical contact between buyer and dealer,” said Kumar. One of the arrested locals is believed to be the ringleader behind the syndicate’s operations.

Drugs and Assets Seized

The seized narcotics include:

• Ecstasy powder: 16,865g worth RM2.81 million
• Ketamine: 104g worth RM20,800
• Erimin 5: 1,950 tablets (548g) worth RM54,000
• Ecstasy pills: 1,250 tablets (375g) worth RM62,625
• Yaba pills: 35 tablets (7g) worth RM525

These drugs were estimated to be enough for nearly 60,000 addicts. Police also confiscated tools for processing and packaging the narcotics, five vehicles worth RM228,600, RM9,100 in cash, and RM18,901 worth of jewelry—bringing total seized property to RM256,601.

Legal Proceedings Underway

All suspects have been remanded until July 3 for investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which allows for the death penalty, life imprisonment, or caning. The Vietnamese women are also under investigation for immigration offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 due to lack of valid travel documentation.

Kumar also highlighted Johor NCID’s broader anti-drug efforts: 12,835 drug-related arrests, over 1 tonne of narcotics, and nearly 5,817 litres of suspected drug substances were seized in the first half of 2025—totalling RM106.97 million in value, with RM9.23 million in related assets also confiscated.

Regional Implications and Public Role

This operation underscores Johor’s pivotal role in regional narcotics trafficking. The proximity to Singapore and Indonesia makes it a strategic hub for illicit distribution. As enforcement intensifies, authorities are urging the public to report suspicious drug activities via the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.

The success of Johor police in crippling a major drug syndicate highlights ongoing regional vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia’s war on drugs. The scale of the operation, along with the transnational makeup of the suspects, reinforces the need for stronger border cooperation, community vigilance, and sustained enforcement to prevent similar threats across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Sources: Selangor Journal (2025) , Bernama (2025)

Keywords: Johor Police, Drug Syndicate, RM3 Million Seized, Vietnamese Nationals, Narcotics Raids, Dangerous Drugs Act