Seven individuals were arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle RM19.82 million worth of cannabis buds through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), lured by payments of up to RM15,000 and promises of free holiday packages.
The arrests were carried out in six separate operations between July 11 and July 17 by the KLIA District Police Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (BSJN) with the assistance of the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) Auxiliary Police.
Those arrested comprised one Malaysian woman and six foreign nationals, including four men.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the first arrest took place on July 11, involving a 37-year-old Malaysian woman found carrying two suitcases containing 60 plastic packages of cannabis buds weighing approximately 36kg, with an estimated street value of RM2.88 million.
On July 13, police conducted three more operations, arresting four foreign nationals, including two women aged between 24 and 48.
Authorities seized eight suitcases containing 213 compressed packages believed to be cannabis buds weighing 149.2kg, valued at RM11.94 million. Two of the suspects also tested positive for THC.
In the fifth case on July 14, MAHB Auxiliary Police detected two suspicious suitcases during baggage screening before arresting a 25-year-old foreign man at the departure waiting area.
Police seized 60 packages of cannabis buds weighing 31.2kg, worth RM2.5 million, along with £300 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking.
The final arrest was made on July 17, involving a 55-year-old foreign man who was allegedly found carrying 60 packages of cannabis buds weighing 31.4kg, valued at RM2.51 million.
Police also confiscated two gold chains, RM250 in cash, and foreign currency from the suspect, who also tested positive for THC.
Investigations revealed that none of the suspects had prior criminal records in Malaysia, and the cases are not believed to be linked to one another.
Police said all of the foreign suspects had entered Malaysia using Social Visit Passes, with some arriving earlier this month and others just a day before their arrests. The suspects are believed to be from Europe and Asia.
Shazeli said all seven suspects were acting as alleged drug mules, with payments ranging from RM6,000 to RM15,000 per trip. One suspect is believed to have carried out a similar operation previously, while the others were allegedly first-time offenders.
He said the arrests highlight the existence of organised international drug trafficking syndicates and warned the public not to accept offers to transport luggage without knowing its contents.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
