Police Bust Ketum Syndicate in Subang Jaya, Seize 455kg of Leaves

SUBANG JAYA: Police have dismantled a suspected ketum distribution network following the arrest of two local men and the seizure of more than 450 kg of ketum leaves during an operation along the Elite Highway.

Subang Jaya deputy OCPD Supt Mohd Fairus Jaafar said the suspects, aged 34 and 38, were detained at approximately 6.45pm on Thursday (April 9) by a crime prevention and community safety patrol team.

“The suspects were traveling in a car at a rest area along the Elite Highway when officers stopped them for inspection,” he said in a statement on Friday.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 53 black plastic bags containing approximately 455 kg of ketum leaves, with an estimated value of RM18,500.

“The items were found in the rear passenger section of the vehicle and are believed to have been intended for distribution in the southern region,” he added.

Further investigations revealed that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine. Background checks also showed that one of the men has two prior criminal offenses, while the other has four.

Both individuals have been remanded for four days, from Friday to Monday, to assist in ongoing investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act as well as Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Police reiterated their commitment to cracking down on illegal drug-related activities and urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could help combat such crimes.