March 14, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – A rising trend of transshipment of illegal drugs through Malaysia to its intended destination is rapidly gaining traction, putting the authorities on high alert on cargo that arrives in the country.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin said overseas drug syndicates are resorting to the tactic as direct shipment by sea from certain countries, known for the drug trade, would be subjected to stringent scrutiny by authorities.
“Cases of drug cargo arriving in Malaysia at entry points like Port Klang appear to be on the rise. The cargo is parked here for some time before being shipped to other countries to hoodwink the authorities, making it seem like it originated from Malaysia.
“We are on full alert especially at ports and are working closely with our foreign counterparts.
“As the Golden Triangle (Thailand, Myanmar, Laos) is close by, Malaysia is vulnerable and a strategic location to foreign drug dealers to move narcotics worldwide,” the outgoing NCID top cop said in an interview recently.
Since taking over the NCID in March last year, Comm Khaw has led the department to a number of successful major drug operations, which saw over 102 tonnes of dangerous narcotics worth more than RM1.67bil seized, and 219 drug syndicates busted.
Comm Khaw, who retires from the police force on Sunday, said the war on drugs must be consistently waged against drug dealers who are always finding ways to transport narcotics to buyers.
He said that with the abolishment of the mandatory death sentence for serious drug offences, cases of drug trafficking could see a rise.
“But then again, even when the mandatory death sentence was in force, drug trafficking was rife. It is because the returns are so lucrative that people are prepared to risk their lives.
“A kilogramme of syabu here is worth RM33,000 but when shipped out to certain countries, it can fetch up to RM450,000.
“It is more than a dozen-fold in profits and this lures some people despite knowing their lives can end with a noose around their necks,” Comm Khaw said.
He said another tactic on the rise recently is drug dealers opting to leave drugs at a certain spot before their buyers pick it up after making payments.
“When we nab the buyer, he or she has no idea of who they were dealing with as the dealers remain anonymous and are almost untraceable.
“This makes it a challenge for us to detect the main drug syndicates. The runners who carry out the pick-up jobs are also well paid,” he said.