JOHOR BARU: The Customs Department has confiscated drugs worth RM1.3mil during a raid on a beach along Jalan Perpat Laut, Rengit, in Batu Pahat.
Johor Customs Department director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi said the operation was conducted at 2pm on Aug 20 by the department’s marine surveillance team from Sungai Pulai.
“A thorough inspection of the area led to the discovery of a wheeled bag concealed under a styrofoam box.
“Inside the bag, officers found a black package, vacuum-sealed plastic with Chinese tea labels. Preliminary tests confirmed that the substances included methamphetamine, ketamine, and ecstasy.
“The seized drugs had an estimated total weight of 2.9kg, with a street value of RM1.3mil. Efforts are currently underway to trace the syndicate and the owner of the contraband,” he said.
He said this during a press conference at Menara Kastam Johor here on Sunday (Sept 29).
He added that the team also found moulding tools, and a vacuum sealer, which contained 14 small packages of pills and powder of various weights, suspected to be illegal drugs.
"The syndicate’s modus operandi involves using unpatrolled routes to smuggle drugs in and out of Malaysia before distributing them to the public," Aminul Izmeer added.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for distributing dangerous drugs.
In a separate operation, from July 21 to Aug 17, Aminul Izmeer shared that the department has mobilised 255 officers across the state to conduct a large-scale operation that is focused on illegal goods trading.
The operation targeted Johor Baru, Gelang Patah, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pengerang, Pontian, Pasir Gudang, and Mersing.
“A total of 180 premises, including convenience stores, warehouses, residential properties, and restaurants, were inspected during the Ops Outlet raids.
“This resulted in 95 cases, with 75 arrests made. Among those detained were 39 locals and 37 foreign nationals, suspected of being involved in the sale of smuggled goods such as cigarettes and alcoholic beverages,” he said.
The total value of goods seized amounted to RM2.2mil.
The cases related to the contraband are being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
