KUALA LUMPUR: Police have seized 70 packages of compressed ganja weighing 73.25kg during an operation in Kepong.

Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) also arrested two local men aged 33 and 38 in the operation at 1.25am on Tuesday (June 17).

Acting NCID director Deputy Comm Mat Zani @Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali said that acting on intelligence gathered, the team intercepted the suspects’ vehicle along Jalan Baiduri and found the drugs after a search.

“We believe the street value of the seized drugs is RM227,063, with the potential to impact up to 146,492 users if distributed,” he said in a statement on Friday (June 20).

He said initial investigations found that the ganja was smuggled in from a neighbouring country through the Perlis border and intended for distribution in the Klang Valley.

The suspects are believed to have acted as transporters for the syndicate and have been active since early this year, he added.

“Both suspects tested negative for drugs. However, background checks revealed extensive criminal records,” he said.

DCP Mat Zani said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty, or life imprisonment with at least 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

“We have also taken action under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, seizing two pairs of gold earrings valued at RM1,950.

“This brings the total value of the seizure and confiscated items to RM229,013,” he said, adding that the suspects have been remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation.

“We are continuing efforts to dismantle the syndicate’s network.

“This successful operation highlights the commitment of the NCID in combating the country’s number one enemy – drug abuse.

“We urge the public to relay any information on drug-related activities via the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222,” he added.