Authorities raid Kota Tinggi home, arrest husband, Indonesian wife, and local woman with drugs hidden in tea packets
Johor police have dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, seizing over 80 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (syabu) worth RM2.57 million. A married couple and a local woman were arrested in the raid, which exposed links to Indonesia’s Riau Islands.
Major Seizure In Kota Tinggi
The raid, conducted at 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, uncovered 76 packages of syabu weighing around 80 kilograms. The drugs were concealed in Chinese tea packets, a common tactic used to avoid detection. Police valued the seizure at RM2.57 million, noting the narcotics were destined for Indonesia’s Riau Islands and Batam.
Syndicate Operations
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the syndicate had been operating since April 2024, using the suspects’ gated residence as a transit and repackaging hub. Investigators believe the group sourced drugs locally before preparing them for overseas distribution by sea. Each package was reportedly sold at RM32,000 to downstream distributors.
Arrests And Criminal Backgrounds
Three suspects were detained: a 43-year-old Malaysian man, his Indonesian wife in her 30s, and another local woman believed to be his girlfriend. Background checks revealed the male suspect had nine prior criminal records, while the local woman had six. Two of the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine during urine screenings.
Assets Confiscated
Authorities seized four cars, two motorcycles, gold bullion, foreign and local currency, and valuables totaling over RM410,000 believed to be linked to the operation. Police estimate the drugs could have fuelled addiction in up to 400,000 users if they had reached the market.
Immigration Violations
While the Indonesian woman possessed valid travel documents, she frequently entered Malaysia on a social visit visa. She is also under investigation for immigration-related offenses under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Legal Action Underway
All three suspects have been remanded for further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. Police said further arrests may follow as intelligence gathering continues.
The Kota Tinggi raid highlights Johor’s role as a key transit point for narcotics bound for Indonesia. By seizing millions of ringgit worth of drugs and dismantling a trafficking cell, authorities have dealt a significant blow to cross-border smuggling networks threatening both Malaysian and regional communities.
Sources: Malay Mail (2025) , The Vibes (2025)
Keywords: Johor Police, Drug Syndicate, Syabu Seizure, Kota Tinggi Raid, Riau Smuggling, Dangerous Drugs Act
