KOTA KINABALU: Alert security personnel at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport's cargo section led to the seizure of drugs worth around RM404,375 hidden inside chilled seafood packages.

       Sabah Customs Department chief assistant director Datuk Abdullah Jaapar (pic) said his personnel recovered illicit drugs - 5.431kg of ketamine powder worth RM287,843 and 3.237kg of methamphetamine worth RM116,532 packed inside seafood polystyrene packages.

       He said they also arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the case to assist in the investigation.

       Abdullah said that Customs officers at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport were alerted by the MasCargo security after they spotted something suspicious in x-ray of the chilled seafood packages at about 7am on Aug 29.

       "Investigation revealed that the smuggler of illicit drugs was packaging the drugs into transparent plastics before hiding it in a hidden space inside the frozen fish polystyrene box.

       "Using this method, they had hoped to slip through the x-ray scans and also enforcement officers manning watching it," he added.

       He said the case was investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

       Since January this year, he said the department had successfully seized a total of 235.358kg of methamphetamine worth RM8.47mil, 5.431kg of ketamine valued at RM287,843 and cannabis worth RM2,555.00 in various operations including the arrests of six suspects with two already charged in court.

       He urged public assistance with information in efforts by the department to combat smuggling, especially cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs and vehicles.

       "Smuggling not only harms the country in terms of revenue, but it also poses a threat to national security and the wellbeing of the people," he added.