Malaysian Customs Seize International Drug Syndicate's $70 Million Haul

Malaysian customs have dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate, seizing 4.83 tons of various drugs valued at RM300.72 million (approximately $70 million) in five separate operations. The seizures occurred between April and June, highlighting the persistent efforts of drug syndicates to bypass authorities.

Customs Director-General Datuk Amran Ahmad stated that different syndicates employed various deceptive methods. These included making false declarations for goods and concealing drugs within common items such as mixed food, soap, hair gel, and sponges. This ingenuity underscores the sophisticated nature of these operations.

The most significant bust involved heroin worth RM169.83 million, discovered on June 15 at Port Klang. A 40-foot container, declared as juice boxes, was found to hold 3,396.6 liters of suspected heroin. This shipment originated from a West Asian country and was in transit to Australia, with investigations ongoing.

Other major seizures included 161.39 kilograms of cannabis bud valued at RM12.91 million at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Kargo on May 18. The cannabis was hidden in boxes declared as dry food destined for Europe. Additionally, 220.30 kg of suspected MDMA pills worth RM33.045 million were found in a warehouse at KLIA Free Trade Zone on May 12, concealed in boxes falsely labeled as machine spare parts. Another 1,049.50 kg of cannabis bud, valued at RM83.96 million, was seized at Port Klang on April 9. This shipment, believed to have come from Southeast Asia, was hidden in boxes falsely declared as vinyl floor tiles but intended for export to Europe.

Amran emphasized that these cases involved distinct syndicates with different modus operandi, all resorting to false declarations to mislead authorities. The ongoing investigations aim to dismantle these networks and prevent further illicit drug flow.