Penang Customs Seizes 30kg of Meth Hidden in Tea Packages

On April 4, 2024, the Penang Customs Department in Malaysia seized 30 kilograms of methamphetamine worth RM966,976 (approximately $230,000) that were concealed in Chinese herbal tea packages. The drugs were discovered in a gated residential area in Gelugor on Penang Island during an operation by the Penang Customs Narcotics Unit.

Acting on intelligence, the narcotics team had been monitoring the area when they spotted two suspicious bags placed under a tree in the Bukit Gambir housing estate near Butterworth. Upon inspection, the bags were found to contain 30 small packages of methamphetamine wrapped in 'guanyinhwang' green tea packaging.

Penang Customs director Roselan Ramli reported the successful thwarting of a drug trafficking attempt through this seizure. "The team took the bags back for further examination. The drugs, estimated to be sufficient to supply 150,000 addicts, were packed in Chinese tea packages," Ramli stated.

Why this matters: The substantial drug bust highlights the persistent issue of narcotics smuggling in Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region. Methamphetamine abuse remains a significant public health and social problem, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

Authorities are still investigating whether the drug trafficker resides in the gated community and if the narcotics were smuggled in from abroad. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of Malaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries severe penalties for drug trafficking offenses. No arrests have been made yet in connection with the seized methamphetamine.

Key Takeaways

• Penang Customs seized 30kg of meth worth $230,000 hidden in Chinese tea packages.
• Drugs were found in a gated residential area in Gelugor, Penang Island, Malaysia.
• Narcotics team monitored the area and discovered the drugs under a tree.
• Drugs were sufficient to supply 150,000 addicts, according to Customs director.
• Case is under investigation, no arrests made yet, with severe penalties for drug trafficking.