AN INTERNATIONAL drug trafficking attempt has been thwarted by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), following the seizure of 210 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at RM20.57 million at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Free Trade Zone.
The discovery was made last month during a targeted inspection at one of the air cargo terminals in the zone, according to Central Zone acting assistant director-general Dr Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi was to conceal the drugs inside packages of snack products and pet food to avoid detection by the authorities,” he said during a press conference on Monday.
The cannabis, believed to have originated from a Southeast Asian country, was transiting through Malaysia en route to its final destination in Europe.
“This points to a highly organised international trafficking operation using Malaysia as a transit hub,” Ahmad Taufik added.
So far, no arrests have been made, but investigations are ongoing under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction.
Authorities believe the consignment may be linked to a wider trafficking network, and efforts are being intensified to track down the individuals or syndicates involved.
The seizure marks one of the most significant drug busts involving cannabis at a Malaysian airport in recent months, and underscores the ongoing challenges facing customs authorities in curbing transnational drug smuggling. – April 14, 2025
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