Customs foils RM1 mln Ecstasy smuggling attempt in Sibu
SIBU (July 15): The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle 5.23 kilograms of Ecstasy (MDMA) pills into Sibu, with an estimated street value of RM1.002 million.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said the seizure followed surveillance by the department's Narcotics Unit on an unclaimed parcel at a local courier company.
'On June 20, at approximately 12.10pm, our officers inspected a suspicious parcel that had remained unclaimed for three days.
'Upon thorough examination, they discovered 12 plastic containers labeled 'Vitamin C 1000 tablets',' he said in a statement today.
A thorough inspection revealed 12 plastic containers labelled 'Vitamin C 1000 tablets'. Inside each were aluminum packets filled with pills shaped like a popular Japanese cartoon character, believed to be MDMA.
Norizan said the synthetic drug is listed as a dangerous substance under Part I, First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Initial investigations suggest the drugs were smuggled via courier from Peninsular Malaysia to Sarawak, concealed in vitamin supplement containers and transported by air.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment, plus at least 15 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
Norizan also urged the public to support ongoing efforts to curb smuggling of contraband, including cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, and vehicles.
'Smuggling not only results in revenue losses for the country but also poses a threat to national security and public well-being,' he said.
He called on the public to report any smuggling activity via the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or by contacting the nearest Customs office. Informant identities will be kept strictly confidential. Customs Department Ecstacy mdma Sibu smuggle
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