KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM1.56mil worth of ketamine were seized after the Customs Department foiled smuggling attempts at the KL International Airport.
Two locals, who had just arrived from abroad, were detained for attempting to smuggle the drugs.
Customs Department Central Zone assistant director Norlela Ismail said in the first case, an 18-year-old local man was detained after arriving from Europe at KLIA Terminal 1.
"Checks revealed the suspects had brought in ketamine in his luggage. The drugs were packed in several food boxes.
"We seized 16.91kg of ketamine worth RM845,670," she said in a statement on Friday (Dec 6).
In the second, another local was detained with the same drug on Nov 2, she said.
"We seized 14.18kg of ketamine worth RM709,030," she added.
Both suspects had hidden ketamine in food boxes and packets of drinks, Norlela said.
"The drugs were also stored in checked-in baggage in an attempt to evade the authorities.
"We will investigate the matter further," she said.
Norlela urged the public to assist the department to thwart smuggling of contrabands by relaying information.
"Those with information can contact the department's toll free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or the respective state departments," she said.
