KUCHING: A drug syndicate’s attempt to smuggle marijuana into Sarawak last month, was foiled after the Customs Department seized 7.1kg of the drug concealed in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate wrappers and aluminium foils.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said that the department’s narcotics branch had raided a courier company along Jalan Song on Feb 3.
“At 10.30 am, officers confiscated a box and discovered 31 packets of marijuana concealed in chocolate wrappers, aluminium foils, and plastic packaging.
“The drugs weighed 4.92kg and had an estimated street value of RM147,780.
“Just 10 minutes later, another package from the same premises was intercepted, revealing eight more packets of marijuana wrapped in similar packaging. The second batch weighed 2.18kg and was valued at RM96,560,” he said in a statement.
The drugs were seized under Section 30(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Norizan revealed that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using courier services to smuggle drugs from Malaya to Sarawak by falsely declaring them as merchandise.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, with caning if not sentenced to death, upon conviction.
He urged the public to help combat smuggling crimes as such activities not only cause revenue losses for the country but also threaten national security and public safety.
Anyone with information on smuggling activities, including cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, and vehicles, can contact the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
