Customs seize RM204,064 cannabis in unclaimed parcels

MIRI (March 31): The Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized cannabis worth RM204,064 in compressed and flower forms following the inspection of three unclaimed parcels at a courier company’s premises in Eastwood Industrial Park along Jalan Miri Bypass here last month.

Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said the operation, conducted on Feb 16 at about 1pm, involved officers from the Miri branch assisted by the drug sniffer dogs.

“Inspections revealed that two parcels contained compressed lumps of dried plant material suspected to be cannabis, with a total gross weight of 3,444g, while another parcel contained three packets believed to be cannabis flowers weighing 1,028g in total.

“No individual has come forward to claim the consignments,” he told a press conference here on Tuesday.

He said the syndicate’s modus operandi involved smuggling narcotics by declaring them as vehicle spare parts and labelling products, using courier services from Kuala Lumpur to Miri with falsified consignment information.

The case is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, while the seized items were confiscated under Section 30(1) of the Act.

Meanwhile, Norizan urged the public to assist in curbing smuggling activities, particularly involving cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, drugs and vehicles.

Those with information can contact the Customs toll-free hotline on 1-800-88-8855 or approach the nearest Customs office nationwide.

“The Customs Department assures that the identity of all informants will be kept confidential,” Norizan added.