Kedah: The Kedah Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) seized over 46kg of drugs during an operation on Jalan Kota Kuala Muda near Sungai Petani on Feb 21. The haul included 15.72kg of ecstasy and 30.90kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated value of more than RM3.9 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State JKDM director Wan Marini Wan Hamzah stated that officers from the Langkawi and Tanjung Dawai Marine Enforcement Branches, acting on three months of intelligence and surveillance, tracked a sedan driven by a 40-year-old Indonesian man suspected of transporting illegal substances. 'When ordered to stop, the suspect jumped out of the moving vehicle and escaped. The drugs were found in bags on the rear seat of the car,' he said during a press conference at the JKDM office.

Wan Marini explained that the drugs were believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country through illegal jetties before being transported overland and distributed to the black market in northern Peninsular Malaysia. He highlighted that if these drugs had reached the market, they could have impacted up to 500,000 users. Investigations revealed that the suspect used a rental car for the operation, and the car owner has been questioned to assist in the case, which is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Wan Marini urged the public to assist in combating smuggling crimes involving drugs, cigarettes, liquor, fireworks, and other contraband, emphasizing the importance of avoiding involvement in such activities. He encouraged sharing information via the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or at the nearest Customs office, assuring that all informants' identities will remain confidential.