KLIA remains key target for drug syndicates as 56 smuggling cases foiled

INTERNATIONAL drug syndicates continue to target the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a transit point, with enforcement teams foiling 44 drug-smuggling cases among 56 smuggling attempts detected at the country’s international airports this year.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the remaining 12 cases involved wildlife trafficking, with its Aviation Security (AVSEC) team working with enforcement agencies to detect and disrupt the illicit activities.

The scale of the threat was highlighted by a recent police operation at KLIA, which resulted in the seizure of 418kg of cannabis worth RM33.4 million allegedly destined for Europe.

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the drugs were seized in 10 separate cases, involving 671 packets of cannabis and leading to the arrest of 11 foreign nationals and a local middleman.

MAHB said it remained committed to strengthening airport security and worked closely with enforcement agencies to identify and report suspicious or prohibited activities.

“Besides carrying out its primary responsibility of protecting airport and aviation security, AVSEC always works with the relevant authorities to identify and report any prohibited or suspicious activities to the relevant agencies for further action,” it told Utusan Malaysia.

The collaboration involves the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and Immigration Department, as well as the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO) and Home Ministry (KDN).

It includes intelligence sharing, targeted screening and integrated operations, MAHB said.

To strengthen detection capabilities, MAHB has acquired 10 360-degree scanners for deployment at KLIA and selected international airports.

The equipment is expected to improve detection accuracy while complementing existing security systems.

“MAHB will continue to strengthen cooperation with all relevant agencies, including supporting the implementation of targeted screening based on risk assessments to ensure airport security controls remain comprehensive and effective,” it said. - October 2, 2026