The Customs Department has seized 1.541 million Erimin 5 pills worth over RM23 million, smuggled through the Penang International Airport (LTAPP), Bayan Lepas on Dec 17.
Customs deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Zulkifli Yahya said based on intelligence and surveillance carried out, the department raided the importing agent’s premises at LTAPP’s free commercial zone (FCZ) at about 9am, and seized 12 boxes filled with Erimin 5 pills, as well as arrested two men aged 18 and 34.
"The airplane from Taipei carrying the drugs arrived at LTAPP on Dec 14, with the packages declared as mechanical equipment, and they were subsequently transferred from the MASkargo warehouse to the agent's warehouse located within the FCZ.
"Based on the information received, the Customs conducted surveillance for three days before raiding the warehouse of the agent and seizing the drugs as well as detaining two men who were delivery agents," he told a press conference in Butterworth yesterday.
He said based on preliminary investigations, all the drugs were believed to have been brought to Penang for local distribution.
Zulkifli said the Customs also arrested another 40-year-old man, believed to be a delivery agent today, to assist with investigations.
"The first two men detained have been remanded for 12 days to assist with investigations while the third man was detained in Perai, and the Customs will be seeking a remand order against the suspect," he said.
He said further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 was still ongoing, including detecting those who imported the drugs.
"Based on our investigation, the drug traffickers have brought in several items from Taipei before, and we are still investigating whether they have links with drug syndicates," he said.
He urged those with information on the smuggling of drugs as well as other items to contact the Customs Department at its toll-free number 1800-88-8855 or the Penang Customs Department enforcement office at 04-3972969.
- Bernama
