JOHOR BARU: The Johor Customs Department has foiled two drug distribution attempts involving a total of 3.825kg of ganja.
Its director, Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi, said the first case took place on May 21 in Pekan Nenas near Pontian, where the department’s narcotics officers uncovered an attempt to distribute cannabis via a local courier service.
“During a detailed inspection of two parcels, our officers discovered compressed plant materials suspected to be ganja, weighing approximately 130g and 97g respectively,” he said here on Wednesday (July 16).
Aminul Izmeer added that the seizure led to the arrest of a man believed to be the delivery agent.
“The suspect’s arrest resulted in the discovery of a black bag containing another 55g of ganja, three bottles of cannabis smoking paraphernalia and a grinder.
“The total seizure for the case amounted to 762g of cannabis with an estimated street value of RM22,860,” he said, adding that the department also seized a RM10,000 motorcycle from the suspect.
Aminul Izmeer said the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using courier services to move drugs discreetly to avoid detection from authorities.
Meanwhile, in another case, which occurred on June 5, the department's marine unit in Batu Pahat foiled an attempt to smuggle cannabis via illegal maritime routes.
“Acting on a tip-off, enforcement officers raided an unregistered boat moored near the mangrove swamp around the Batu Pahat Ferry Terminal at about 8pm.
“The inspection led to the discovery of a bag containing three compressed blocks of ganja wrapped in Chinese tea packaging, hidden in the front section of the boat,” he said.
Aminul Izmeer added that the seized drugs weighed 3.063kg and were valued at RM98,016, while the unregistered boat, worth RM4,000, was also seized.
He said the smugglers had used illegal waterways to traffic the drugs, and both cases were being probed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Aminul Izmeer urged the public to work together with the Customs Department to curb all forms of smuggling activities, including drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks and vehicles.
“Smuggling activities not only cause revenue loss to the government but also pose serious security and safety threats to the public,” he said.
He added that those with information on smuggling activities should contact the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or reach out to the nearest Customs office and assured them that their identities would be kept confidential.
