Johor Police Deny Claims of Drug Mini-Labs in Felda Areas, Cite Urban Syndicates as Main Threat

KOTA TINGGI, Jan 18:  Johor police have refuted claims that mini drug processing laboratories are operating in Felda settlements or other rural areas, saying such allegations misrepresent the nature of drug activities detected there.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said that within the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) definition, a “mini-lab” refers to an organized, large-scale drug processing facility, not small, informal packaging carried out by individual users.

“In some Felda settlements, there are addicts who repackage drugs into small packets for sale or personal use. That cannot be classified as a mini-lab,” he said during an appearance at the Bernama Mobile Studio at Felda Bukit Waha on Sunday.

He was speaking at a program themed Jerat Halusinasi: Antara Penjara dan Jalan Pemulihan, held in conjunction with Program Felda: Desaku Mendunia – Generasi Sihat, Komuniti Hebat, jointly organized by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF).

Comm Ab Rahaman noted that drug use patterns differ between rural and urban areas. In Felda settlements and other rural communities, conventional drugs such as marijuana and heroin remain more common, while synthetic drugs, including syabu and methamphetamine, are largely concentrated in cities and entertainment hotspots.

“Although there are some users of synthetic drugs in Felda areas, the numbers remain low and under control,” he said.

He acknowledged, however, that organized mini-labs do exist in urban locations, where syndicates operate from rented houses and apartments to process and distribute drugs on a large scale. These groups often target both domestic and international markets, including neighboring countries.

Highlighting enforcement efforts, Comm Ab Rahaman said Johor police dismantled hundreds of drug syndicates last year, with total seizures valued at RM176.33 million. Confiscated drugs included 544.31 kg of methamphetamine, 147.78 kg of heroin, 169.39 kg of marijuana, and 1,464.72 kg of ecstasy powder.

He issued a stern warning to drug syndicates and traffickers, stressing that the police would not compromise in the fight against drugs.

“This year, we will intensify intelligence gathering and carry out statewide operations to ensure these activities do not spread,” he said.