The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Sarawak has foiled two drug smuggling attempts worth a combined RM1.32 million and arrested two local men at Kuching International Airport (KIA).
Sarawak Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya said the first case involved the seizure of 13.2kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of RM660,000.
The second case saw officers seize another 13.178kg of methamphetamine along with 83 Eramin 5 pills, valued at RM660,560.
Speaking at a press conference at Wisma Kastam Sarawak on Monday, Norizan said both cases are believed to be linked to the same drug syndicate, which used a similar modus operandi to smuggle drugs into Sarawak via domestic flights from Peninsular Malaysia.
“The suspects removed the baggage tags after collecting their luggage to avoid being identified by authorities as the owners of the bags,” he said.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly paid couriers RM1,000 for every kilogram of drugs successfully transported.
“If they carried 13 kilograms, each courier could have received around RM13,000,” Norizan said.
Authorities are still investigating whether the drugs were intended for the local market or were meant to be trafficked onwards to Kalimantan.
The first suspect was arrested at about 9.10pm on 9 July after arriving at Kuching International Airport on a flight from Johor Bahru.
According to Norizan, the man aroused suspicion after removing his baggage tag and taking his luggage into a toilet near the arrival hall, allegedly in an attempt to evade customs checks and conceal ownership of the bag.
A search of the luggage uncovered 13 Chinese tea packets suspected of containing methamphetamine, and the suspect was immediately detained.
About 10 minutes later, customs officers arrested another local man who had arrived on the same flight after he was seen behaving in a similar manner.
A search of his luggage uncovered another 13 Chinese tea packets containing two types of dangerous drugs, leading to his arrest.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction. Offenders sentenced to life imprisonment are also liable to receive not fewer than 15 strokes of the cane.
Norizan urged the public to assist Customs in combating smuggling activities involving drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, vehicles and other contraband.
He said anyone with information on smuggling activities can contact the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or report the matter to the nearest Customs office. He also assured that the identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
