8-8-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a significant triumph, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) accomplished a major operation by confiscating 88 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately RM17.6 million. The operation took place during a raid at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Air Cargo Complex in Sepang, Selangor on August 1.
Detailing the operation, Customs Director-General Datuk Zazuli Johan revealed that the Narcotics Branch of the department executed the operation at 8pm. The team successfully intercepted four boxes, which concealed a staggering 995 glass bottles suspected to contain capsules filled with cocaine.
Further investigation revealed an intricate strategy employed by the traffickers. Each box was also packed with vehicle spare parts, specifically car brake discs. The attempt to mislead authorities involved falsely declaring the shipment as supplements. Hidden within were dangerous drugs and vehicle components.
“This marks the first instance of such a modus operandi being employed by a syndicate. The syndicate even employed a fake company name as the receiving entity in the Air Waybill,” Zazuli stated during a press conference.
The initial inquiry disclosed that the contraband had been imported from the Netherlands. The consignment eventually reached the KLIA Cargo Complex, indicating its intended destination for the domestic market. The use of fraudulent details in importation documents complicated the identification and apprehension of the importer.
Zazuli emphasized ongoing efforts to trace the suspect, believed to be a local citizen, under the provisions of Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Highlighting the broader context, Zazuli shared that between January and July, authorities successfully uncovered and addressed 382 cases of drug trafficking across the nation. The total value of seizures amounted to RM180.5 million. Among the drugs seized, ecstasy accounted for the highest value at RM96.2 million, followed by cocaine at RM61.6 million, and methamphetamine at RM10.5 million.
Zazuli extrapolated the significance of these seizures, stating that based on the overall weight of the confiscated drugs, approximately 440,000 potential addicts could be spared from harm.
