Singaporean and Malaysian woman arrested for alleged drug offenses in midnight chase in Johor

JOHOR BAHRU – An overnight police operation led to a dramatic car chase and the arrest of two suspects, including a Singaporean woman, resulting in the seizure of an estimated value of dangerous drugs 54,831 ringgit (16,600 Singapore dollars).

Johor police chief Commissioner M. Kumar said the incident occurred at midnight on December 31 when a team from the Johor Bahru Southern Narcotics Crime Investigation Department was conducting surveillance operations.

“The operation was carried out on Jalan Tampoi, Taman Seri Bahagia, when they saw a gray compact car driving suspiciously.

“The team closely followed the vehicle until it reached Jalan Persiaran Alif Harmoni. When officers attempted to approach the car to inspect it, the driver suddenly accelerated, driving dangerously and injuring two officers in the process.

“Both officers suffered arm injuries after being hit by the vehicle,” he said in a statement on Jan. 1.

Datuk Kumar added that despite police orders to stop, the suspects fled towards Pasir Gudang Expressway.

“A high-speed chase ensued which took the suspects across the Iskandar Coastal Highway and the Second Link Highway.

“During the chase, the suspects crossed the toll barrier at Senai Utara Toll Plaza before entering the North-South Expressway, heading north.

“With the help of police patrols from Kulai and Kluang, the chase ended in Simpang Renggam, Kluang,” he said.

The suspects, a 38-year-old Singaporean woman who was driving the car and a 49-year-old Malaysian passenger, were detained.

“A search of the vehicle, conducted in the presence of the suspects, uncovered several packages containing substances believed to be dangerous drugs.

“Subsequent investigations led to two additional raids in Johor Bahru, where more drugs were seized,” he said.

The confiscated drugs include cannabis weighing 697.4g and valued at RM7,172, methamphetamine weighing 62g and valued at RM6,820, ecstasy powder weighing 4.1g and valued at RM684.70, heroin weighing 3.8g and valued at RM95, and nitrazepam tablets weighing 14g and valued at RM60.

Preliminary urine tests revealed that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine.

A background check revealed that the suspect has multiple criminal and drug-related records, including an outstanding warrant.

Both suspects are now under a six-day remand order, effective from December 31, 2024 to January 5.

The case is being investigated under various sections of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Criminal Code, the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Immigration Act 1959/63 for offenses including drug trafficking, reckless driving and obstruction of public officials.

Kumar affirmed Johor Police’s commitment to fighting crime and said they would continue to ensure that the state remains safe for both residents and visitors.

“We urge members of the public who have information about criminal or drug-related activities to report it to the nearest police station,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Join ST WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.