Drug seizures at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) surged almost sixfold to RM108.35 million between January and July this year, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts against international drug trafficking syndicates.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said authorities recorded 108 drug smuggling and trafficking cases during the seven-month period, compared with 54 cases recorded in the corresponding period last year.
He said enforcement operations also resulted in the arrest of 121 individuals, more than double the 57 suspects detained previously, including 42 foreign nationals believed to be involved in drug trafficking activities through the country’s main international gateway.
A total of 1,353.41 kilogrammes, or 1.35 tonnes, of drugs were seized during the period, a sharp increase from 235.36 kilogrammes confiscated over the same period in 2025. The overall value of the seized narcotics was estimated at RM108.35 million, compared with RM18.46 million a year earlier.
Hussein said enhanced intelligence gathering and strict surveillance at KLIA had successfully foiled multiple attempts to smuggle large quantities of drugs into and out of Malaysia. He added that the NCID’s strategy of disrupting the drug supply chain had also contributed to a significant rise in trafficking-related cases.
According to him, trafficking investigations increased from 18 to 47 cases, while the number of suspected traffickers arrested rose from 21 to 59 individuals. The figures, he said, demonstrated that enforcement efforts now extend beyond border interception to dismantling domestic distribution networks.
Authorities have also observed a shift in the modus operandi of drug syndicates, with cannabis flower emerging as the preferred narcotic being smuggled into the country. Between January and July, police seized 1,251.18 kilogrammes of cannabis flower, compared with just 82.98 kilogrammes during the same period last year.
Ketamine seizures also increased significantly, with 16.51 kilogrammes confiscated compared with 2.15 kilogrammes previously.
Hussein said intelligence gathered from operations at KLIA led to five follow-up raids in Sepang, Selangor and Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, which successfully crippled several drug syndicates. Those operations resulted in the seizure of 367.83 kilogrammes of cannabis flower worth RM29.43 million, including the largest single haul of 153.68 kilogrammes in Mambau, Seremban, as well as four raids in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.
He attributed the success to close cooperation between the NCID and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) Auxiliary Police, particularly through rapid intelligence sharing, integrated surveillance and enhanced security measures at the country’s main entry point.
Hussein stressed that law enforcement agencies would continue strengthening cooperation to detect, pursue and dismantle drug syndicates at every level, while ensuring those responsible face the full force of the law.
He also urged members of the public with information related to drug smuggling or trafficking activities to contact the NCID Hotline at 012-208 7222.
