Attempts to bring into Sarawak drugs worth over RM875,000 foiled
SIBU: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department here has successfully foiled attempts to bring in drugs totalling 26.52kg, worth RM875,160, to Sarawak twice this month.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said the first case occurred on March 13 at 11.55am, when a team of Customs officers from the Passenger Screening Unit at Sibu Airport, in collaboration with Sibu Enforcement Branch, arrested a man who had arrived at Sibu Airport.
Norizan said the suspect, in his 20s, was apprehended after a scan of the box that he was carrying showed signs of narcotics.
“Further inspection of the box discovered 13 packages containing crystal powder suspected to be methamphetamine with a gross weight of 13.26kg worth an estimated market value of RM437,580,” said Norizan in a statement.
He said further investigation found the man to be a suspected drug mule responsible for bringing drugs into Sarawak.
Adding on, Norizan said the second case occurred on March 14 at around noon when Customs confiscated an unclaimed box at Sibu Airport.
“Further investigation revealed that the box contained 13 packages of suspected drugs with a gross weight of 13.26kg, worth an estimated value of RM437,580.”
According to Norizan, the Customs Department is now tracing the individual who had left the box at Sibu Airport.
He added that the modus operandi of the suspects was to bring in drugs from Peninsular Malaysia stored in boxes for snacks, to deceive the authorities.
He said both cases would be investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for the death sentence or life imprisonment and caning upon conviction.
From January up to March 19, Norizan said Customs had confiscated 41.95kg of methamphetamine-type drugs, worth RM1,384,350, at Sibu Airport.
He called upon the public to help fight drug smuggling and refrain from getting involved in the crime.
Those with information on any smuggling can contact 1-800-888855.