KLIA Customs Foils RM2.5 Million Smuggling Attempts Involving Drugs, Iron and Electric Vehicles
Separate Operations Reveal Smugglers’ Use of Courier Services and Online Sales
SEPANG: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has disrupted three smuggling attempts involving drugs, iron rods, and electric vehicles, with total seizures and unpaid duties estimated at RM2.508 million.
KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said the operations led to the confiscation of cannabis and cocaine weighing 16.057 kilogrammes, iron rods weighing 145,281 kilogrammes, and 21 electric vehicles and e-bikes.
Drug Parcels Intercepted Before Overseas Shipment
In the first case, enforcement officers intercepted three suspicious parcels believed to contain drugs intended for shipment to two European countries via courier services.
On January 5, two parcels containing 16 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at RM1.408 million were seized, followed by another parcel containing 57 grammes of cocaine worth RM11,400 on January 28.
He said the syndicate attempted to conceal the illegal contents by declaring the parcels as gifts.
Iron Imports Seized Over Permit Violations
In a separate case on January 19, Customs detained six containers carrying iron rods of various sizes at Port Klang through cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia and Customs enforcement units.
The seized goods were valued at RM683,164, with unpaid duties and taxes amounting to RM200,136.
Investigations indicated the iron rods were imported without valid regulatory approval.
Illegal Electric Vehicles Confiscated
On January 28, Customs officers raided three premises in Sentul and Petaling Jaya suspected of selling electric vehicles without proper import permits.
A total of 21 electric vehicles and e-bikes were seized, valued at RM122,101, with additional duties and taxes estimated at RM83,028.
Zulkifli said the syndicate used online platforms to market the vehicles and arranged direct delivery to buyers to avoid detection.
Public Encouraged to Report Smuggling Activities
He urged members of the public to cooperate by providing information on smuggling activities to assist enforcement efforts.
He added that Customs will continue strengthening operations to combat illegal trade and safeguard national interests.
-wilayah.com.my
