BUTTERWORTH, June 9 — The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) busted a drug smuggling syndicate on Tuesday and seized drugs weighing 1.412kg, with an estimated value of RM132,375.
Penang JKDM director, Hamisan Kalip said the raid was conducted after they confiscated a parcel from a courier service, located at the Second Air Cargo Complex in Jalan Batu Maung, Penang.
“During the initial inspection of the parcel, the Customs found it contained a white substance, believed to be heroin, packed in containers of supplement drink powder declared as ‘Organic Meal Replacement’. The parcel was brought to the Penang Customs Complex for further action.
“Checks found six containers of locally produced supplement drink powder stored in a box, at a courier service company, to be exported,” he told reporters here today.
Hamisan said three of the six containers contained a white powder believed to be heroin whereas the other three containers contained cream-coloured powder of unknown origin.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, in a separate raid on May 8, Hamisan said JKDM busted the smuggling of gaharu or agarwood, weighing 12.08kg estimated to be worth RM33,930 with an unpaid tax of RM1,696.50
He said at 10.05pm, its personnel inspected luggage belonging to a Chinese national in his 30s at the Penang International Airport’s (LTAPP) arrival hall.
“The passenger was carrying pieces of the wood to be used in prayer, from a neighbouring country. The passenger was issued a compound and ordered to pay the due tax. The merchandise was confiscated,” he added.
Hamisan urged the public to channel information related to smuggling activities by contacting the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office in all states. — Bernama
