BINTULU: An attempt by two men to smuggle more than 100kg of methamphetamine worth RM3.3 million into Sarawak, was foiled by Customs officials early this month.
The incident occurred at about 8 pm on Nov 5 when four luggage bags were flagged as suspicious during scanner checks at the Bintulu Airport Passenger Screening Unit.
Officers from the Customs Enforcement Operations Branch, assisted by airport personnel, subsequently inspected the bags and uncovered 100 plastic packages, containing crystalline substances believed to be methamphetamine.
Sarawak Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya said the drugs weighed a total of 103.46kg and were valued at RM3,310,720.
He added that two local men, in their 20s, were arrested at the scene to facilitate investigations.
“It is believed that the modus operandi was to smuggle drugs into Sarawak by concealing them inside passenger luggages.
“The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“If convicted, the offenders may face the death penalty or life imprisonment, and shall be caned at least 15 times if not sentenced to death,” he said at a press conference at the Bintulu Customs Office today.
Norizan appealed to the public to help combat smuggling activities, including those involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles and other contraband.
“Smuggling not only causes significant revenue losses to the country but also poses threats to national security and public safety,” he said.
The public should report any suspicious activity via the Customs Toll-Free Hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or at the nearest Customs office.
