TAWAU: A syndicate’s attempt to smuggle methamphetamine (syabu) worth RM87,000 for the local market via commercial flights was foiled after authorities intercepted the drugs at Tawau Airport on Saturday.
Two men were arrested - the first a 44-year-old man from Perak and the second a 21-year-old from Sarawak.
Tawau District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said police recovered about 2.5kg of syabu following inspections and interrogations of both suspects.
“We suspect they tried to deceive authorities by arriving separately on different flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The first suspect was detained at 9.25pm, while the second was arrested about 50 minutes later,” he told a press conference at the Tawau District Police Headquarters, Tuesday.
Jasmin said a search on the first suspect led to the discovery of a commercial flight boarding pass and a vacuum-sealed cylinder suspected of being used to pack drug-filled plastic.
Inspection on the second suspect’s luggage uncovered syabu hidden inside a biscuit box, instant noodle packaging and food-mixing materials.
“We also confiscated three smartphones, two luggage bags (red and black), a vacuum-sealed cylinder and a water bottle from both suspects for further investigation,” he said.
Jasmin said the first suspect had two prior cases under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952 and two cases under Section 15(1) of the same Act.
A urine test found the suspect positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
“The second suspect tested negative but has a past record under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and Section 420 of the Penal Code (wanted),” he said.
Jasmin believes a drug syndicate orchestrated the suspects’ movements, given their separate arrivals and the method of concealing the drugs.
He noted that similar modus operandi are commonly used by experienced drug syndicates and police are working to track down others involved.
“Based on past cases, drug syndicates not only prefer smuggling syabu into Tawau via land and sea but also through airports (air routes),” he said.
