KUCHING: The Narcotics Branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Sarawak has intercepted an attempt to smuggle 24,400 grams of methamphetamine, valued at RM872,000 into the city.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said JKDM seized two parcels suspected of containing dangerous drugs sent via courier services. These parcels, originating from Shah Alam, Selangor, were addressed to a recipient in Taman Stapok, Kuching, and arrived at the Kuching International Airport on March 18.
“Following surveillance, the recipient refused to accept the parcels at the stated address and opted to claim them at the courier company’s counter. Despite a four-day stakeout, no one appeared to claim the parcels, leading to their seizure on March 22.
“A thorough examination revealed 24,400 grams of crystal-like substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, concealed within animal feed packages.
“Efforts to trace individuals associated with the seizure are underway, leveraging information from courier services, online platforms, telecommunications, and banking records,” he said in a statement on March 22.
The modus operandi involved smuggling narcotics from Malaya to Sarawak via courier services, concealing them in animal feed packages and using a security-controlled apartment address for delivery. This method is aimed at evading detection by the authorities.
The case falls under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment and corporal punishment.
So far this year JKDM Sarawak has already seized 138.7kg of various drugs worth RM4,370,467 from January to March 22.
