Customs seize 250kg of drugs in boxes declared as car brake discs

 

The MDMA, worth RM17 million, can be used to produce 1.5 tonnes of ecstasy. (AFP pic)

NILAI: The customs department seized 250kg of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ketamine worth RM18.2 million at the KLIA air cargo complex in Sepang on July 18.

Customs director Zazuli Johan said they seized 18 boxes, with 12 containing transparent plastic packages of suspected MDMA weighing 232.05kg, estimated to be worth RM17 million, at 6pm.

“It is the largest haul by the department involving MDMA. The amount can produce about 1.5 tonnes of ecstasy.

“A box was also found containing a plastic package with white crystalline powder suspected to be ketamine weighing 20.55kg (worth RM1.2 million). The other five boxes held car brake discs,” he told a press conference here today.

He said the syndicate had declared the items as car accessories to avoid detection.

Zazuli said a preliminary investigation found that the drugs were imported from a country in Europe and landed at the KLIA cargo complex as the final destination. The supply was intended for the domestic market.

According to him, the importer used a false declaration in the importation document, making it difficult to arrest them.

“However, investigations are still under way to track down the suspect, who is believed to be a local citizen.”

He urged the public to call the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 if they had any information on smuggling activities and said their identities would be kept confidential. - FMT