Malaysian Arrested for Smuggling Hydroponic Cannabis into India
PETALING JAYA: A 62-year-old local man was arrested by the Chennai Customs Department in India after attempting to smuggle 3.42 kilograms (kg) of hydroponic cannabis, estimated to be worth approximately RM520,000, on 31 August.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the man is from Selangor and has no prior criminal record related to drug offences.
He said investigations are being conducted to determine whether the man is linked to the same syndicate or another syndicate, following the previous arrest of a Malaysian citizen in Chennai for carrying hydroponic cannabis.
“JSJN has been informed by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) regarding the arrest of a Malaysian male citizen at Chennai International Airport, along with the seizure of drugs hidden in his luggage,” he said when contacted by Utusan Malaysia here today.
He said preliminary information indicates that the suspect boarded AirAsia flight AK-11 from KLIA2 to Chennai, India, on 31 August.
He explained that an inspection by Chennai Customs of the suspect’s luggage found hydroponic cannabis weighing 3.42kg hidden in a secret compartment of the luggage.
“The suspect is now being detained by Indian authorities for investigation and further action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985.
“JSJN is also cooperating with Indian authorities to obtain further information regarding the case, including the possibility of a smuggling network involving Malaysians,” he explained.
Earlier, a United News of India (UNI) report said the suspect was arrested after his movements aroused the suspicion of officers from the Chennai Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), who conducted inspections based on passenger profiling.
The suspect was detained under relevant legal provisions and remanded in judicial custody, while further investigations are being conducted to trace his links to a broader international drug smuggling network.
Utusan Malaysia