KOTA KINABALU: The Customs Department arrested two people including a teenager believed to be used as drug mules recently.
The duo, aged 18 and 29, who entered the state separately, were detained with over 20 kg of syabu (crystal methamphetamine) valued at RM667,729.44.
The smuggling activity was detected as the suspects passed through checks at two different airports upon arriving from Peninsular Malaysia.
Assistant Sabah Customs director Siti Mang said the first suspect was arrested at 12.30pm at the Tawau Airport.
She said that an image scan of the suspect's bag revealed 10 suspicious green and yellow plastic packages branded 'Guangyiwang'.
"Further inspection found that all the packages contained 10.199 grams of dangerous drugs estimated to be worth RM326,389.
"The suspect was immediately detained along with the drugs for further investigation and action," she said at a press conference at the Sepanggar Enforcement Building.
Siti added that, acting on a tip-off, the second suspect was apprehended around 1pm while trying to pass the scanner at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
The examination revealed that the suspect, an 18-year-old male, was carrying a bag containing 10 packages with a total weight of 10.194 grams of drugs.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine if there is a connection with the first suspect.
"Both cases are also under further investigation to identify any links to a larger syndicate and ensure legal action is taken against those involved," she said.
Siti said that the modus operandi involved using green plastic packages branded 'Guanyinwang' smuggled into the country via passenger ships.
"Both cases are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted," she added.