1.35 tonnes of cannabis seized at KLIA as syndicate 'perception' comes under scrutiny

More than one metric tonne of cannabis buds has been seized at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this year, an indication that enforcement and detection at the country's main entry point remain functioning.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan disclosed that 1.35 tonnes of cannabis had been seized at KLIA since January.

Based on press reports of seizures by the Selangor police contingent headquarters, nearly half a tonne of cannabis was seized up to April, while about 200kg more in compressed blocks was found in baggage in May.

In June, at least 653.6kg was seized, followed by another 247.8kg in July. Overall, cannabis seizures for January to July this year were reported to have risen up to six times compared with the same period last year.

According to the report, the more pertinent question is no longer enforcement capability but the perception among international syndicates that Malaysia, and KLIA in particular, serves as a drug distribution hub — especially towards Europe, where demand for the narcotic is said to be rising.

The syndicates are said to be willing to hire drug mules who are not only locals but also nationals from those countries, who travel to Malaysia to collect supplies, even though the material is claimed to originate from a neighbouring country.

The string of seizures was cited as evidence that Malaysian authorities remain committed to enforcement at border points involving international networks. Had the drugs gone undetected, the report said, the world would likely question Malaysia's security standards and seriousness in tackling such syndicates — as in the recent case of drugs allegedly brought into Jakarta from KLIA by a co-pilot.

Despite hundreds of kilogrammes seized last year, attempts have not stopped, with more arrests and larger hauls recorded this year. Losses to the syndicates are estimated at RM108 million, a sum seen as unlikely to be incurred unintentionally.

Concerns raised include the possibility that enforcement operations could disrupt flights through delays or cancellations, as well as unease among local and international passengers who fear being used as unwitting mules.

Utusan Malaysia reported yesterday that suspected insider involvement is believed to be one reason behind the rise in cannabis smuggling attempts through KLIA. – UTUSAN