NILAI: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKMD) has foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs, suspected to be ketamine and methamphetamine weighing 128.5 kilogrammes (kg) estimated to be worth RM7 million.
The drugs were found hidden in furniture and bathrobes in two separate cases at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) early this month.
Customs deputy director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Ramli who is also acting as the department's director-general said the seizure was carried out by a team sent to inspect the merchandise scheduled to be exported to an East Asian country using a KLIA cargo aircraft at about 3.30 pm on Oct 13.
"The merchandise was declared as end tables weighing 366 kg. Our inspection discovered that two pallets containing three pieces of furniture which carefully wrapped with three other boxes. After the wrappings were opened, we found three pieces of furniture in the shape of a table with frames made of iron and wood.
"Our officers then unwrapped one of the furniture and removed the top part of the table and found clear crystalline substance suspected to be ketamine with an estimated weight of 124.6 kg worth RM6.8 million in the furniture," he said at a press conference at JKDM headquarters narcotics branch here, today.
He also said initial investigations revealed that the merchandise which was from an industrial park in Selangor, was diverted to Johor Bahru before being taken to the warehouse of the air cargo delivery agent at KLIA to evade detection.
The activity was believed to be handled by an international syndicate aided by locals.
Abdul Halim said following the discovery, two local men aged between 30 and 40 were detained to assist in the investigations.
Meanwhile, JKDM also seized an international parcel (outbound) containing two bathrobes to be sent to a country in the Oceania region.
The parcel is suspected to contain methamphetamine at the Pos Malaysia Cargo International Hub (PMIH) estimated to weigh 3.76 kg worth RM135,000 on Oct 12.
"We believe the sender's information is false to avoid detection in addition to the modus operandi used which is to dissolve the drugs by soaking it with a bathrobe," he said.
Abdul Halim said both cases will be investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Oct 20 2022
The drugs were found hidden in furniture and bathrobes in two separate cases at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) early this month. - BERNAMA/Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.