Drug bust results in seizure of RM17mil worth of MDMA by customs.

NILAI: Customs has successfully thwarted an attempt by an international syndicate to smuggle 232kg of methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) worth approximately RM17 million into the country, according to Datuk Zazuli Johan.

The Customs director-general revealed that this was the largest amount of type 3 and 4 MDMA ever confiscated by the department.

The seized quantity would have been enough to produce 1.5 tonnes of ecstasy pills.

Zazuli stated that his officers discovered the illegal drugs during an operation at the KLIA Cargo Complex on Tuesday (July 18) at around 6pm.

“Based on a tip-off, my officers confiscated 18 boxes, 12 of which contained crystal-like chunks suspected to be type 3 and 4 MDMA,” he explained.

“Another box contained about 20.5kg of white powder believed to be ketamine, valued at around RM1.2 million.” Zazuli added.

Zazuli further revealed that the syndicate attempted to deceive the authorities by declaring the shipment as car accessories.

“The remaining five boxes were filled with disc brakes,” he said.

Investigations revealed that the illicit drugs originated from a European country with KLIA being their final destination.

The importers also employed fictitious addresses and fake documents to evade detection, Zazuli mentioned.

So far, no arrests have been made.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Zazuli also highlighted that this is the second time this year that Customs has seized MDMA at KLIA.

In March, Customs officers confiscated 3kg of the drug in a shipment that had been declared as water filters.