SEBERANG PERAI – The Penang Customs Department has foiled a drug smuggling syndicate which was trafficking RM5.1 million worth of marijuana in an operation in late June, with two men arrested in Sg Petani.
State Customs director Rohaizad Ali said that the duo were arrested in an operation spearheaded by the department’s narcotics unit in Penang. He said that the operation involved four teams of officials.
The operation took place following joint intelligence conducted by the customs department’s headquarters and the northern region branch.
According to Rohaizad, the operations team were trailing a red Perodua Axia suspected to have been used by the syndicate from Jitra all the way to the Sg Petani Toll Plaza (South).
“As the car took the exit route from the toll plaza, we stopped the car and began inspecting it. We then found three sacks containing 45 compressed packages of marijuana buds weighing 52.04kg valued at RM 5,100,606.00,” he said in a press conference held at the customs department’s preventions office here at Perai industrial area.
“The drugs were brought from a neighbouring country to be trafficked down south.”
Scoop later confirmed with the Customs Department that the marijuana was trafficked from Thailand.
The two men arrested on scene were locals. They were charged on July 10 and are now incarcerated at Alor Setar prison. They will be facing trial at Sg Petani court on September 22.
Meanwhile, the drug parcels seized were taken to the department of chemistry for content analysis.
Rohaizad said that the case is being investigated under Section 39B of Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
If found guilty, both men could be sentenced to death or face life imprisonment together with 12 strokes of rattan if they are not sentenced to death.
Rohaizan also urge members of public to aid the customs department in curbing smuggling of cigarettes, alcohol, firecrackers, drugs, vehicle and other items – as well as not to involve themselves in such activities.
“Smuggling does not only cause revenue losses to the country but also creates national security problem,” he added. – July 24, 2025