Pubdate: Sun, 06 Aug 2000
Source: Star (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Website: http://www.thestar.com.my
Authors: Nelson Benjamin and Simon Khoo

PUSHERS SMUGGLING IN DRUG USING COURIERS

PETALING JAYA: Drug peddlers are engaging the help of courier services
to bring in drugs following the tightening of checks at the country's
entry points by security forces.

In the latest incident, police seized over 60kg of what was believed
to be cannabis worth about RM150,000, in a courier van which came in
from a neighbouring country.

The cannabis, in the form of slabs, were found under the back seat of
the vehicle during the 4pm raid.

It was learnt that the cannabis, meant for distribution in the Klang
Valley, were seized when police, acting on a tip-off, intercepted the
van in Cheras Perdana on Wednesday.

The driver, a foreigner in his 30s, was detained under Section 39B of
the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which carries a mandatory death sentence
upon conviction.

It was learnt that the suspect has been remanded to help in
investigations.

Selangor narcotics chief Supt Abdul Malik Hashim confirmed the
seizure, adding that a press conference would be held tomorrow.

It was not immediately known whether the suspect was linked to a major
syndicate operating in the city centre or if any other accomplices
were picked up.

The raid came three days after police in Sungai Petani foiled a
smuggling attempt by a syndicate when they seized nearly 100kg of what
was believed to be cannabis during a raid on July 30.

Kuala Muda district OCPD Asst Comm Yusof Asit said the 99.7kg of
drugs, with a market value of over RM400,000, was the biggest seizure
in Kedah this year.
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