KANGAR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Perlis foiled attempts to smuggle 20 kg of cannabis and 9,400 vape devices, with a total estimated value of RM611,340, including taxes, on Feb 6 and 10.
State Customs director Ismail Hashim said the vape devices, of various flavours, valued at RM454,000 with taxes of RM95,340, were seized after a motorised fibreglass boat was inspected by the Kuala Perlis Enforcement/Marine team.
Acting on intelligence, the team pursued the suspicious boat in the waters of Kurung Tengar, Kuala Perlis, at 1.30 am on Feb 6.
“Three individuals are believed to have fled to shore, abandoning the boat. It is believed the vape devices were to be smuggled to a neighbouring country,” he said at a press conference at the Kuala Perlis Customs Marine Base today.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
The cannabis seizure, valued at RM62,000, occurred during an inspection at the riverbank of Kampung Bukit Tok Po, Kuala Perlis, at 10 pm on Feb 10.
“Acting on intelligence, the team found two suspicious white sacks. The cannabis is believed to have been smuggled from Thailand for distribution in northern states and the Klang Valley,” he said.
Ismail added that the cannabis could supply up to 30,400 users.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
-- BERNAMA