Customs foils RM15 million drug smuggling bid at Sabah port using false ‘drink’ declaration

THE Royal Malaysian Custom authorities have intercepted a major drug smuggling attempt involving more than RM15 million worth of methamphetamine concealed in a shipping container falsely declared as beverage goods at Sepanggar Port.

The seizure, carried out on April 22, involved 305.722 kilogrammes of syabu discovered during an inspection of a container that had arrived from Port Klang.

Sabah Customs director Dr Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman said officers conducted checks at approximately 11.30am before uncovering 15 boxes suspected to contain the illicit substance.

He said the false declaration of the cargo as “drink stuff” was believed to be a tactic designed to mislead authorities and evade initial detection.

“This case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction,” he said.

Authorities said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.

Ahmad added that enforcement efforts would be intensified, particularly at ports and other entry points, as smuggling syndicates continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated methods.

The case underscores growing concerns over the use of falsified cargo declarations in international shipping, prompting authorities to reinforce inspection protocols and strengthen border controls to curb transnational drug trafficking. - May 4, 2026