PDRM Busts ‘Alstonia Gang’ for Distributing Drugs in Chinese Tea, Mastermind is an E-Hailing Driver

A syndicate, known as the ‘Alstonia Gang’, and their alleged drug trafficking tactics were exposed through 5 separate raids by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on Tuesday (June 3).

9 suspects, including the syndicate’s leader, were successfully arrested in the raids which took place in Bukit Jalil, Semenyih, Puchong and Kajang. The authorities also managed to seize various drugs worth a total of RM5.1 million.

According to a report by Kosmo, the Selangor Police Chief, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, shared that the successful raids were the result of two months of intelligence, and explained that all the syndicate members, including 2 women, acted as distributors and ‘runners’.

“The profit for the distributors is up to RM7,000 a month, while the runners, it depends on their task, with wages ranging between RM100 and RM200 per delivery. The mastermind of this syndicate works as an e-hailing driver but at the same time supplies drugs. The suspect used his job as a cover for his illegal activities,” he explained.

The other suspects were found to be barbers, food vendors and personal shoppers.

“In addition, a foreign woman who was arrested is believed to be the lover of the mastermind of the syndicate. She has been in this country for the past 10 years.”

Drugs in Chinese tea

Investigations found that the syndicate also used the modus operandi of mixing drugs in drinks and vape flavours, with a bottle of Chinese tea being worth RM300, which was used for private parties.

Datuk Hussein further explained that the syndicate is believed to have obtained their drug supply from other dealers. The authorities ultimately seized 26kgs of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) powder, 4.7kgs of ketamine as well as ecstasy powder and pills, erimin 5 pills, and vape cartridges containing drugs.

“We also seized 5 vehicles, including a BMW 320i, gold bars, jewellery, watches, Louis Vuitton handbags, with a total value of RM341,449.16,” he added.

6 out of the 9 suspects tested positive for drugs, while 3 have past records related to crime and drugs.

All suspects are now being remanded for 7 days, and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

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Also read: Abandoned Bag at Penang Airport Baggage Carousel Believed to Contain RM1.6 Mil Worth of Drugs