Johor Customs Foils Two Drug Smuggling Attempts, Seizes 3.8kg Of Cannabis

JOHOR BAHRU, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Johor Royal Malaysian Customs Department foiled two attempts to smuggle 3.825kg of drugs via courier service and illegal water routes in  Pontian and Batu Pahat in May and June.

Director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi said the department's Narcotics Branch enforcement team carried out the first raid near Pekan Nanas, Pontian, on May 21.

He said two Pos Laju parcels containing 130g and 97g of compressed plant matter suspected to be cannabis were found.  

A man in his 40s, believed to be the courier, was detained for investigation.

"The team also found a black bag containing what is believed to be cannabis weighing 55g, three cannabis smoking devices, and a blender. 

"The total seizure of drugs and equipment was estimated at RM22,860. A motorcycle worth RM10,000 was also seized. The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he said in a statement today.

Aminul Izmeer said in the second raid, a team from the Marine Unit of the Batu Pahat Enforcement Branch intercepted an unregistered boat docked in a mangrove swamp near a ferry terminal on June 5.

"Checks revealed three compressed packages suspected to be cannabis, wrapped in Chinese tea packaging, weighing 3.063kg with an estimated value of RM98,016. The boat, worth RM4,000, was also seized.

"The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he said.

Aminul Izmeer urged the public to report any smuggling-related activities by calling the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or inform the nearest Customs office, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

-- BERNAMA