SEPANG: An attempt to smuggle RM1.19mil worth of methamphetamine-laced e-cigarette (vape) cartridges has been thwarted.
The cartridges were reportedly concealed inside computer central processing unit (CPU) casings and bound for a neighbouring country.
The seizure was made by the Customs Department's enforcement division at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10.50am on June 10.
KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said officers inspected six black plastic-wrapped boxes at the KLIA Free Commercial Zone and discovered 4,760 vape liquid cartridges in various fruit flavours believed to contain methamphetamine.
"The estimated value of the seizure is RM1.19mil.
"The syndicate's modus operandi was to use cargo delivery services and conceal the vape cartridges inside CPU casings to evade detection by the authorities," he told a press conference at the Customs Cargo Complex here on Friday (June 26).
Zulkifli said preliminary investigations indicated that the sender's address stated on the shipment was fake.
He added that three individuals, a shipping agent and courier personnel, have had their statements recorded to assist in the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Zulkifli also urged the public to assist Customs in combating smuggling activities involving cigarettes, drugs, alcoholic beverages, firecrackers and other contraband by contacting the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
