JAKARTA, Aug 29 — In an effort to combat cross-border drug smuggling, Malaysian and Indonesian Customs authorities have announced the seizure of various types of drugs weighing 247.9kg throughout July.
The enforcement actions involved coordinated operations aimed at dismantling drug distribution networks in several border areas between the two countries, which could have supplied 1,118,000 people.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) successfully seized 112.3kg of various drugs in 41 operations in Sarawak and Sabah.
The seizures included 86kg of methamphetamine, 17.1kg of ketum, 7.2kg of cannabis, and two kg of ketamine.
JKDM Enforcement and Compliance Deputy Director-General Ribuan Abdullah highlighted the crucial role of international cooperation in combating drug smuggling.
“JKDM is committed to enhancing cooperation and facilitating the sharing of intelligence with Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), particularly in Kalimantan,” he told Bernama today.
Meanwhile, DJBC seized 102.6kg of methamphetamine, 1.14g of cannabis, 60,000 ecstasy pills, and 130mg of synthetic cannabis 4-Fluoro-MDMB-BUTINACA in 12 cases in the Kalimantan region.
“The rise in drug smuggling activities requires tighter and more coordinated surveillance at official border crossings and smuggling routes,” said DJBC’s Narcotics Interdiction Director R. Syarif Hidayat.
The peak of the coordinated cooperation between JKDM and DJBC this year was marked by the closing ceremony of the Joint Task Force on Narcotics held at DJBC Headquarters in East Jakarta yesterday.
Also present were the Customs Counsellor of the Malaysian Embassy Ahmad Talib, and the Directorate of Narcotics Interdiction’s Analysis and Targeting Sub-Directorate Head Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang.
The JTF operations from July 1 to July 31 were targeted in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, which borders Sarawak, as well as East Kalimantan, which borders Sabah.
This cooperation reflects the strong commitment of JKDM and DJBC to protecting the community from the impact of increasing drug smuggling activities along the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
— Bernama
