Perlis: The Perlis Customs Department (JKDM) successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle various goods, including cannabis, ketum leaves, “cloned” vehicles, and cigarettes, amounting to a total seizure value of RM2.45 million in several separate operations conducted between May and June.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department’s director, Ismail Hashim, revealed that the most significant seizure involved cannabis flowers, which hold a higher value compared to compressed slabs of leaves. The cannabis, weighing 22.855 kilograms and valued at RM2.28 million, was found near the Malaysia-Thailand border gate at Jalan Sadao on June 19. A Proton Saga BLM vehicle, parked without a driver, was discovered to contain 40 airtight transparent plastic packages of cannabis flowers in the back passenger area. Ismail explained that the syndicate’s method involved leaving the vehicle unmanned in Malaysian territory post-border crossing for an accomplice to retrieve later.

Ismail also detailed three additional seizures involving 1,975 kilograms of ketum leaves, valued at RM108,625, discovered between May 30 and 31 near the Malaysia-Thailand border security checkpoint. On May 30, two vehicles, a Mitsubishi Pajero with 647 kilograms of ketum leaves worth RM35,585 and an Isuzu Dmax with 1,036 kilograms worth RM56,980, were found abandoned in the bush. Another seizure on May 31 uncovered 292 kilograms of ketum leaves valued at RM16,060.

Further, two cloned vehicles, a Volvo XC60 and a Honda Jazz, were seized on June 14 and June 19, respectively. Both vehicles, found with fake registration numbers, were identified as prohibited goods imported without valid permits. Additionally, 3,040 contraband cigarettes, valued at RM936.40, were seized at Felda Rimba Emas on June 19.

All cases are under investigation under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Poisons Act 1952, and the Customs Act 1967. Ismail emphasized the department’s commitment to intensifying operations to combat the smuggling of contraband into the state.