Customs: 12 cases of drug smuggling using Sabah airports as transits

Tawau: A total of 12 cases of drug smuggling using airports as transits were recorded in Sabah since 2012, said Sabah Customs Director Datuk Dr. Janathan Kandok.He said 10 cases were recorded at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and one each at Tawau and Sandakan airports.

"The international smugglers appeared to prefer using the international routes as transit points to carry out their syndicates' activities. This tactic seems to be their trend and we have stepped up control at the entry points to the State.

"However, the cases in Tawau and Sandakan airports were foiled as these were believed to be transit attempts by traffickers to smuggle the substance out," he said.

Dr. Janathan said this to reporters after witnessing the handing over of duties for between outgoing Tawau Customs head Yunos Tahir to his successor, Datu Kassim Datu Bangsawan.

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Yunos who served the department here for three years and eight months has been promoted to be Sabah Customs deputy director (enforcement).

Dr. Janathan said the department has its own strategies to prevent and tackle smuggling cases in Sabah including contraband cigarettes and controlled items by intensifying patrols at sea, regular inspection on shipping containers and vessels.

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"We also conduct integrated operations with other enforcement agencies like police and local authorities which are aimed at deterring smugglers especially those smuggling contraband cigarettes as we do not have the jurisdiction to issue compounds but to bring the case to court.

"By doing this, it will show the department's commitment in its prevention works by asking for appropriate punishment for smugglers," he said, adding that smuggling activities in the State are however under control.

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