KANGAR: The state Customs Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle 30kg of cannabis worth RM93,000 by throwing the drug packages over the Malaysian-Thai border wall in Kuala Perlis.
Its director, Ismail Hashim, said the department uncovered this smuggling method after seizing 30 compressed blocks of suspected cannabis abandoned near the border wall in Bukit Batu Putih, Kuala Perlis, on Nov 12.
The seizure, conducted at 8.30pm by the Kuala Perlis Enforcement/Marine Branch, followed a tip-off about smuggling activity at Pintu Tiga in Bukit Batu Putih.
"During the raid, we found two suspicious white packages near the border fence containing what we suspect to be cannabis," Ismail said during a press conference at the state Customs office today.
"We believe the packages were thrown over the Malaysian-Thai border wall by smuggling syndicates from the neighbouring country.
"The Thai side of the border is forested, hilly, and covered in dense vegetation, similar to the Malaysian side. The location of the discovery is about 1km from a General Operations Force northern brigade control post."
He said a detailed examination of the packages revealed 30 compressed blocks suspected to be cannabis, weighing about 30.145kg and valued at RM93,000.
"We believe the drugs were thrown over the border wall just hours before the seizure. The syndicate's modus operandi involves smuggling drugs into Malaysia for collection and distribution in the Klang Valley.
"The area where the cannabis was found is remote, but well-known among smugglers for trafficking various items, including drugs, from the neighbouring country.
"It is also a known entry point for illegal immigrants, who can climb over the fence into Malaysia.
"This facilitates the movements of smuggling syndicates, allowing them to collect the drugs."
He said there had been an increase in the value of drug seizures in the state since 2021, amounting to more than RM5 million.
"In 2021, there were four cases involving seized drugs worth RM32,873.27. This fell to two cases in 2022, valued at just RM460.
"However, last year saw nine cases totalling RM1.85 million. Up to November this year, eight cases have been recorded, with seizures worth RM3.27 million.
"The surge is likely due to the post-pandemic reopening of borders."