State Customs assistant director-general Siti Mang reported that a 29-year-old was detained at Tawau Airport around 12:30 PM when officials discovered suspicious packages in his luggage. The inspection revealed 10 packs of tea packets containing drugs weighing about 10,199g, with a street value of MYR326,389. Shortly after, at 1 PM, an 18-year-old was apprehended at KKIA using a similar method, carrying 10 packets of illegal substances weighing approximately 10,194g, valued at over MYR341,340.
Authorities are investigating whether the two suspects are connected and if they belong to the same criminal organization. They are also exploring the possibility of a larger syndicate and additional accomplices. The recent arrests have revealed that drug smugglers are now transporting illegal substances in carry-on luggage, disguising them as tea or beverage packets to evade detection.
Both suspects are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a potential death sentence or life imprisonment upon conviction. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Malaysian law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and the innovative methods employed by smugglers to avoid capture.
