Trafficking stopped: Roselan with the drugs seized during a press conference at the Custom’s warehouse in Bagan Jermal, Butterworth.
BUTTERWORTH: They attempted to smuggle about a million ringgit worth of drugs by disguising it as green tea packets, but the Customs Department managed to “sniff” it out in time.
Believed to be methamphetamin, the drugs were kept within a gated community area in Bukit Gambir on the island side.
Upon a tip-off, Customs personnel combed the housing area and discovered bags with green tea labels left under a tree. The drugs, weighing 30kg, were valued at RM966,976.
Penang Customs director Roselan Ramli said a narcotics team from the department’s intelligence unit conducted an operation at about 9.30pm on April 4 in the area to check on drug trafficking activities and found the bags at that spot.
“But after eight hours of waiting, we found no one approached the area,” he told a press conference at the state Customs warehouse here yesterday.
He said Customs were investigating and believe that a syndicate was involved.
Roselan said the case was being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He appealed to those with information on smuggling activities, including that involving tobacco and alcohol, to contact the department at 1800-88-8855.
“Smuggling activities are not only detrimental to the country, but it is also a risk to national security and a threat to the people’s well-being,” he said.
Roselan assured that the identity of those who provided information will be kept confidential.
