Kuala Lumpur: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has seized fireworks, firecrackers, and drugs valued at approximately RM1.05 million at four locations in Selangor, announced Customs assistant director-general (enforcement) Raizam Setapa@Mustapha. On January 14, a significant operation led to the confiscation of 1,330 boxes of fireworks and firecrackers, estimated to be worth RM629,320, from a warehouse in Beranang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Raizam disclosed that the seized items comprised 11 types of fireworks and firecrackers, presumably meant for the local market. This seizure marks the largest case involving fireworks this year. A local man in his 50s was detained to assist with the investigation. Raizam noted that the initial investigations indicated non-compliance with the specifications and guidelines outlined in the import permits issued by the Home Ministry. This case is under investigation in accordance with Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.

Regarding the drug seizures, operations at two logistics company warehouses in Petaling Jaya on January 3 and 5 resulted in the seizure of two packages containing cocaine, weighing about one kilogram and 1.1 kilograms, respectively. Raizam explained that the first seizure involved a transparent plastic package with a compressed white substance, suspected to be cocaine, valued at RM200,000. The drugs were concealed within hollowed-out books, declared as toys for export overseas. The second seizure revealed another transparent plastic package containing a compressed white substance, also suspected to be cocaine, worth approximately RM220,000, using a similar courier service method, declared as a ‘new gift book.’ No arrests have been made in connection with these cases, which are being investigated under Section 39(B)(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Additionally, on December 30, Raizam’s team intercepted a package at the Mail and Courier Centre, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang. The package, declared as a toy and weighing roughly 1.3 kilograms, was destined for a European country and valued at RM4,000. It contained 100 glass cartridges for electronic cigarettes filled with liquid and five rolls of paper with shredded green plant material, both suspected to be cannabis. This case is being investigated under Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.