Customs Dept prevents smuggling of meth worth RM347,200 through Kuching airport, suspect arrested
Handout photo shows the confiscated methamphetamine worth RM347,200, which was hidden with snacks.
Norizan Yahya
KUCHING (May 8): The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Sarawak has foiled an attempt to smuggle 10.136kg of methamphetamine worth RM347,200 through Kuching International Airport.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said a suspect has been arrested for the smuggling of the dangerous drugs via a flight from Peninsular Malaysia.
He said the drugs were hidden with snacks to try to evade detection.
'On April 16, 2025, at approximately 12pm, JKDM Sarawak's Special Passenger Inspection Unit (UKPP) team, in collaboration with its narcotics branch, arrested a local Iban man, who had just arrived at the Kuching International Airport (KIA), Sarawak via a flight from Kuala Lumpur,' Norizan said in a statement.
'The arrest was made as a result of surveillance works of the UKPP team members, who had detected suspicious movements of a suspect in the baggage claim area. The suspect was seen claiming one box from the baggage carousel before heading towards the toilet with the box. UKPP team members then acted to conduct an inspection on the individual and the box he was carrying.'
He said the inspection found 10 transparent plastic packets suspected to contain methamphetamine, which is a drug listed under Part I of the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking.
If convicted, the offender could face the death penalty or life imprisonment, and if the sentence given by the court is life imprisonment, the offender will receive a minimum 15 strokes of the cane.
'Members of the public are urged to help JKDM fight against smuggling crimes, especially cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles, and others, and are advised not to get involved in such activities,' Norizan said.
'Smuggling not only harms the country in terms of revenue leakage, but it also poses a threat to national security and the well-being of the people.'
The public can report smuggling activities by contacting the Customs toll-free line on 1-800-88-8855 or head to the nearest Customs office.
The department guarantees that the identity of each informant will be kept confidential. Kuching International Airport lead methamphetamine Norizan Yahya
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