Customs foils attempt by three Japanese men to smuggle 43.36 kg of cannabis buds worth RM4.2 million through Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
KUALA LUMPUR: Three Japanese nationals have been arrested for attempting to smuggle 43.36 kg of cannabis buds valued at RM4.2 million through Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department detained the men, aged between 19 and 42, on November 18 after scanning their luggage.
KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said scans of six pieces of luggage revealed plastic packages containing plants believed to be cannabis buds.
“The cannabis buds were hidden inside packets of dried food in the luggage belonging to the suspects,” he stated.
The seized items have been handed over to the KLIA Customs Enforcement Division for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
This section carries the death penalty or life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if the death penalty is not imposed.
Zulkifli added that drug smuggling not only results in revenue losses but also poses a threat to national security and public well-being.
He urged anyone with information on smuggling activities to contact the Customs’ toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office. – Bernama
