MIRI, Dec 30: An elderly couple was arrested by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) moments after they claimed a courier package that was found to contain 500 small packets of ketamine worth RM219,560.
Sarawak Customs director Dr Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman said the two suspects, in their 60s, arrived to claim the package at the premises of a courier service in Miri city around 9.45am.
He said an inspection of the package found 500 small packets alleged to be traditional Chinese medicine.
The package was then seized for further inspection.
“Preliminary tests conducted on the content of the small packets were found to be positive for ketamine.
“The gross weight of the drug is 3,992 grammes with an estimated value of RM219,560,” Ahmad Taufik said in a statement yesterday (Dec 29).
The two suspects were detained for further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The investigation also found that the package had been sent to Miri city from Peninsular Malaysia using a local courier service.
“According to the suspects, they have bought the goods several times from a seller from a state in the north of Malaysia.
“The suspects said that the drug is for personal use, and a small portion is sold among the community because it is believed to relieve joint pain,” he added, adding that further investigations are still underway.
In a separate case, JKDM also arrested a foreign man outside the premises of a courier service in the city on December 20 at around 2.14pm.
“The suspect was at the courier centre to claim a package and was later arrested by a Customs officer on duty when his package was suspected of containing dangerous drugs,” he said.
“The package was declared as fish food, and the suspect claimed that he was there to claim the package on behalf of his family.
“Another man (the second suspect) who claimed to be his brother was also arrested because he was suspected of being involved in the management of packages containing drugs,” he revealed.
Ahmad Taufik reported that an inspection of the package had led to the discovery of two compressed pieces of dried plant leaves suspected of being marijuana.
The gross weight of the cannabis lump is 1,042 grammes with an estimated value of RM4,600. — DayakDaily
