Customs makes biggest drug bust, seizes RM32mil of ecstasy

NILAI: The Customs Department has made a significant impact on the operations of an international drug distribution syndicate following the confiscation of 436.2kg of ecstasy. The estimated value of the drugs is RM32mil, and they were seized at KL International Airport Cargo Complex on Aug 29. This seizure marks the largest of illicit drugs at the international airport this year, according to Customs director-general Datuk Zazuli Johan.

The seizure occurred after officers received a tip-off and inspected 36 boxes around 6.30pm. Inside 12 of the boxes, they discovered colorful pills suspected to be ecstasy containing type 3 and 4 MDMA (methylenedioxy methamphetamine) drugs, while the remaining 24 boxes contained solely bricks. The authorities were misled by declaring the contents of the boxes as “tools,” according to Zazuli.

An initial probe suggests that the drugs were transported from the Netherlands, with Malaysia being the final destination. However, no arrests have been made due to fictitious information provided in the import documentation. Zazuli mentioned that this drug seizure is the fifth one from the Netherlands this year at the cargo complex.

More than 2.1 million drug addicts could have been supplied with the seized drugs, Zazuli revealed. The case is currently under investigation and falls under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. To assist the department in combating smuggling activities, individuals with information are encouraged to contact them at 1800-88-8855.