KANGAR, Nov 10 – The Perlis Royal Malaysian Customs Department has seized suspected cannabis, kratom leaves and an imported car in several enforcement operations between August and October.
The seizures involved goods and a vehicle with an estimated total value of RM286,496, including taxes.
Perlis Customs director Mohammad Furiman Hattar announced the results during a press conference at the Perlis Customs Complex on Tuesday.
Cannabis Worth RM191,544 Seized
Customs officers seized 61.42 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis in two separate operations in Kuala Perlis.
The first seizure took place on Aug 28 near Sungai Kuala Perlis, close to Taman Pelangi. Officers discovered 25 compressed blocks weighing 25 kilogrammes inside two gunny sacks at an abandoned platform.
Authorities estimated the drugs’ value at RM75,000.
In a second operation on Oct 19, officers found another 35 compressed blocks at the Pulau Batu Layang jetty. The packages weighed 36.42 kilogrammes and carried an estimated value of RM116,544.
Both seizures involved suspected cannabis worth a combined RM191,544.
Mohammad Furiman said the suspects may have used the locations as drop-off points. The drugs, believed to have come from Thailand, were allegedly left for other individuals to collect.
Customs is investigating the cases under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
More Than One Tonne of Kratom Leaves Found
In another operation, Customs seized 1,001 kilogrammes of suspected kratom leaves in Chuping, near Padang Besar, on Oct 30.
Officers found the leaves inside 31 white sacks in a Malaysian-registered Mitsubishi Pajero. The seized leaves had an estimated value of RM10,010.
The operation began after officers spotted the vehicle travelling at high speed through a kenaf plantation. The route led towards Jalan Keselamatan Sempadan Malaysia-Thailand in Lembah Chuping.
A team from the Padang Besar Narcotics Unit pursued the vehicle into a forested area. Two other teams later assisted in locating it.
However, officers found the vehicle unlocked and abandoned. No driver was at the scene. Customs believes the driver fled to avoid arrest.
A search of the vehicle uncovered the 31 sacks of green leaves. Investigators believe the shipment was heading to Thailand.
Imported Mini Cooper Also Seized
Customs also seized an imported Mini Cooper S Clubman in Bayan Lepas, Penang, on Oct 28.
Mohammad Furiman said the vehicle allegedly used a fake registration number and had not completed customs clearance.
Authorities estimated the car’s value at RM33,000. The outstanding duties amounted to RM51,942.
Customs is investigating the case under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Perlis Records 12 Drug Seizure Cases
Separately, the Perlis Customs Department recorded 12 drug seizure cases from January to October this year.
The cases involved drugs worth RM28.38 million.
The latest operations highlight the department’s efforts to tackle suspected smuggling activities along the Malaysia-Thailand border and other locations.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
