RANTAU PANJANG: Smugglers packaged cannabis leaves using courier packaging in Thailand before smuggling the contraband through illegal bases here.
The supplies would then be sent to specific destinations determined by the drug distribution syndicate using courier services.
However, this cunning tactic failed to deceive the police when the General Operations Force (GOF) seized 13.4 kilogrammes of compressed cannabis leaves worth RM41,664 at an illegal base in Jeram Perdah here, at 4.30pm yesterday.
Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said during the operation, a young man acting as a 'runner' for the drug distribution syndicate was also arrested.
At the time of the incident, members of GOF's Battalion 8 were conducting surveillance and found a suspicious young man at the illegal base, leading to further inspection.
"Upon inspection, 13.4 kg of compressed cannabis leaves were found in the backpack of the 22-year-old male suspect. An initial urine test also showed the suspect was positive for the drug type Benzo.
"Further investigation revealed that the suspect was a 'runner' for the drug syndicate, receiving RM250 for every 10kg of cannabis smuggled.
"The syndicate's modus operandi involved packaging the drugs in Thailand using specific courier company plastics to evade authorities before being transported through illegal bases.
"The drugs received by the middleman would then be posted to destinations predetermined by the syndicate," he said when contacted.
The case is being investigated under Sections 39B and 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The suspect has been handed over to the Narcotics Division of the Pasir Mas police headquarters for further action.
"The GOF will continue to intensify efforts to curb the spread of drug distribution activities within the country," Ros added.