KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department has confiscated 198 kilogram of drugs worth an estimated RM18.3 million in Kedah, in what may be the single biggest narcotics haul so far of 2017.
According to the Star Online news portal, Customs deputy director-general Datuk Zulkifli Yahya said officers made the seizure during a vehicle inspection at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex of the Malaysian-Thai border.
“The driver of the car was ordered to open the boot for inspection. The boot of the car was covered with plywood and what looked like a speaker and audio system.
“Through gaps in the plywood, the officers spotted suspicious objects,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
Customs officers then discovered yellow slabs, black plastic packets and green bags that were later determined to be 154 kilogram of heroin, 38 kilogram of methamphetamine and 6 kilogram of ketamine, he added.
Zulkifli said initial reports indicated that the driver travelled often to a neighbouring country.
“Another local man, aged 36, was arrested in Alor Setar later. He is believed to be from the same syndicate. Both men have been remanded until June 5 for further investigations,” he said.
The report said the case will be investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 that carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.