Two foreign nationals arrested at KLIA for smuggling ketamine and cocaine worth over RM2.5 million, hidden in tea cans and a soft toy
SEPANG: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department foiled a drug smuggling attempt valued at over RM2.5 million at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Two foreign nationals, a Chinese and a Thai citizen, were arrested in separate incidents at the Terminal 1 Arrival Hall on November 19.
KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said the arrests followed swift action by the Enforcement Division in collaboration with the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency.
The suspects were detained after baggage scans revealed suspicious images.
“Upon inspection of the Chinese national’s luggage, several small yellow packages containing a powdery substance suspected to be ketamine were found inside cans and boxes labelled ‘Refined Chinese Tea’,” Zulkifli said.
He added that the Thai national’s baggage contained capsules of a powdery substance suspected to be cocaine, hidden inside a soft toy.
The seized ketamine weighed about 2.7 kilograms with an estimated value of over RM135,000.
The cocaine weighed 12 kilograms and was valued at more than RM2.4 million.
Both substances are listed under Schedule 1, Part III, of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the same act.
If convicted, the suspects face the death penalty or life imprisonment and at least 12 strokes of the cane. – Bernama
