SEPANG – An attempt to smuggle 210 kilogrammes (kg) of cannabis worth RM20.57 million into Europe was thwarted by the Customs Department (JKDM) after a raid was carried out at the Free Trade Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on March 15.
Selangor Central Zone Customs acting assistant director-general, Dr Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman said that the largest seizure of the year at KLIA was the result of intelligence gathering and close surveillance by customs authorities.
He stated that the cannabis was believed to have been brought in from a Southeast Asian country, with Malaysia acting as a transit point before being sent to Europe.
"The drugs were hidden in packages of snacks and pet food for dogs and cats, with the intention of deceiving the authorities," he said in a press conference at the Central Zone Cargo Customs Complex Unit III today.
He added that the items were declared as pet food, snacks, used clothing and second-hand shoes, but investigations found that only some of them were declared accurately.
"The modus operandi of concealing drugs in pet food packaging had been detected before, but this time, it involved a very large quantity," he said.
He further clarified that the market value of the cannabis flowers was higher, at about RM98,000 per kilogramme, compared to regular cannabis, which is estimated to be RM3,200 per kilogramme.
Following the seizure, the case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.
The JKDM also urged the public to cooperate in combating smuggling activities, particularly those involving drugs, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, vehicles and other prohibited items.
"Any information can be channelled to the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or to the nearest customs office. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential," he said.