KL drugs-in-drinks syndicate busted

KUALA LUMPUR — Police have crippled a syndicate selling drug-laced soft drinks at entertainment outlets in the city.

The activity was uncovered after five people, including two women, were arrested in multiple raids by police and the Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotic Group on Tuesday night.

Bukit Aman deputy director of narcotics Mohd Dzuraidi Ibrahim said the syndicate laced the drinks with ecstasy and ketamine, and sold them in the original packaging.

“The customers are aware of the drugs in the drinks, that are normally priced at RM350 (S$115) for 500ml,” he said.

Mr Dzuraidi said the raids took place in Gombak, Taman Beringin and a condominium in Kepong, which was allegedly used as a drug lab.

A total of 1,225 bottles containing drug-spiked drinks, 10,015 ecstasy and 39 erimin pills, and 109g of ketamine worth RM1.14 million were seized.

He said police also seized a Mercedes-Benz, RM181,000 in cash and six luxury watches worth a total of RM450,000.

The syndicate would normally move around in a pair, and police are now trying to identify their customers, said Mr Dzuraidi.

“They will be on the lookout for potential customers at night clubs, bars and private parties.”

Mr Dzuraidi said they had not detected any cases where the drinks were used on unsuspecting people.

Background checks on the suspects, aged between 32 to 43, showed they had no criminal records.

“We believe they have been in operation for at least six months,” he said.

“The narcotics team is constantly on the lookout as these syndicates are constantly coming up with new tactics to distribute their drugs and evade authorities.”

The suspects have been remanded until Tuesday and are being investigated for possession of dangerous drugs. MALAY MAIL ONLINE