Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) branch has successfully intercepted three smuggling operations involving items such as drugs, iron rods, and electric vehicles, with the total value of seizures and duties amounting to RM2.508 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulkifli Muhammad, the director of the KLIA branch, revealed that the operations led to the confiscation of cannabis buds and cocaine weighing a total of 16.057 kilograms (kg), iron weighing 145,281 kg, and 21 units of three-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes. During a press conference, he elaborated on the Customs' efforts, stating that the first case involved the apprehension of three packages containing cannabis and cocaine intended for export to two European countries.
Zulkifli explained that on January 5, authorities seized two packages containing cannabis buds weighing 16 kg, with an estimated value of RM1.408 million. Later, on January 28, another package containing 57 grams of cocaine, valued at RM11,400, was confiscated. He noted that the syndicate's strategy involved using mail and courier services, declaring the packages as gifts to avoid detection.
In the second case, on January 19, Zulkifli reported that six containers carrying various sizes of iron rods were detained at Port Klang, Selangor, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the JKDM COBRA team. The goods, weighing 145,281 kg, are estimated to be worth RM683,164, with total duties and taxes amounting to RM200,136. He mentioned that all the iron rods were imported without a valid permit from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
Regarding the seizure of EVs on January 28, Zulkifli stated that raids were conducted at three premises in Sentul and Petaling Jaya, suspected of selling three-wheeled EVs and e-bikes without valid import permits. A total of 21 EVs and e-bikes were seized, with an estimated value of RM122,101, involving duties and taxes of RM83,028. He added that the sales were conducted online with direct delivery to buyers to avoid detection.
Zulkifli also urged the public to assist in combating smuggling activities, particularly those involving drugs, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, firecrackers, and vehicles, by providing information through the toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or at any nearby customs office.