Dangerous substance: Norlela (left) showing the drugs hidden in food items that were seized at KLIA recently.
KUALA LUMPUR: Two airplane passengers’ attempt to smuggle drugs by hiding them inside food and drink boxes were thwarted by authorities, with more than RM1.5mil worth of ketamine seized at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The ketamine, kept in transparent plastic cases, were carefully packed in food boxes and drink packages before being stored in luggage bags.
The Customs Department are investigating how long the suspects have been conducting the illegal activities.
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 on Nov 1.
“We seized 16.91kg of ketamine worth RM845,670,” she said.
In the second case, another local was detained with the same drug on Nov 2.
“We seized 14.18kg of ketamine worth RM709,030,” Norlela said. The drug haul of both seizures were worth RM1.56mil, she added.
The department is investigating whether the suspects were acting alone or part of a bigger syndicate, she added.
“The case is classified under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking.
“The successful operations showed the department’s commitment to curbing drug smuggling, especially at KLIA,” 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.
