MIRI: Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Sarawak has thwarted an attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs after seizing methamphetamine and drug-laced vape cartridges worth more than RM863,000 at Miri Airport.
The bust was carried out by enforcement officers from JKDM Miri on Dec 6 at about 8.07 pm when a local man was stopped at the arrival hall while carrying a passenger suitcase.
A search of the luggage, conducted in the presence of the suspect, uncovered 24 packages disguised as tea products containing crystal-like substances believed to be syabu or methamphetamine. Officers also found 220 vape liquid cartridges suspected to contain the same drug.
Customs said the drugs comprised 24,394 grammes of methamphetamine, valued at RM780,608, along with vape cartridges estimated at RM82,500, bringing the total haul to RM863,108.
Investigators believe the syndicate attempted to evade detection by concealing the drugs inside tea packaging and transporting them in passenger baggage.
Methamphetamine is classified as a dangerous drug under Part III of the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The suspect has been remanded to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment and whipping of not less than 12 strokes if the death sentence is not imposed, upon conviction.
Sarawak Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya said the seizure underscored JKDM’s continued commitment to strengthening enforcement and combating drug smuggling, particularly through air entry points.
He urged the public to cooperate with authorities and report any information related to drug trafficking, stressing that Customs would not compromise in its fight against organised crime.
