Nearly 250 kg of Cannabis Worth RM20 Million Seized at KLIA

Malaysian authorities have intercepted a significant drug smuggling operation at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), seizing approximately 247.8 kilograms of cannabis buds with an estimated street value of RM19.82 million. The large seizure occurred over a seven-day period between July 11 and July 17.

The drugs were found concealed within 393 plastic packages inside 14 bags that were flagged as suspicious after passing through the X-ray scanners at KLIA's Terminal 1. In one instance on July 13, authorities foiled three separate smuggling attempts, confiscating 149.2 kg of cannabis worth RM11.94 million and arresting four foreign nationals aged between 24 and 48.

The following day, another foreign national, aged 25, was apprehended while attempting to smuggle an additional 31.2 kg of cannabis, valued at RM2.5 million, in two bags. These drugs were reportedly destined for a European country.

Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar reported that the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division at the KLIA district police headquarters, with assistance from airport security, detained seven individuals suspected of involvement in six drug trafficking syndicates. These individuals, described as drug mules, included one Malaysian woman and six foreign nationals (four men and two women). Some suspects were promised up to RM15,000, while the local mule reportedly received RM6,000, lured by the promise of lucrative payment and trips to Europe. Two of the foreign nationals tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

This recent bust follows a similar large-scale seizure in June, where over half a metric ton of cannabis buds, valued at more than RM50 million, were confiscated at KLIA. These drugs were believed to be transiting from Southeast Asian countries to Europe. The arrested suspects, from various European, Asian, and Southeast Asian countries, had entered Malaysia on social visit passes shortly before their arrests. Police are investigating their travel records with the Immigration Department. The seized cannabis could reportedly supply 826,000 users.

“

They were willing to be drug mules after being promised lucrative wages and influenced by offers of travel to European countries.