The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) has successfully foiled two high-profile smuggling attempts at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) involving computer servers containing high-tech artificial intelligence (AI) chips and vape liquids suspected of containing methamphetamine, with a total seizure value of RM54.11 million.
The success was achieved through several enforcement operations carried out throughout June at the KLIA Free Trade Zone, thus proving the customs department’s continuous efforts in curbing high-risk smuggling activities through the country’s main entry point.
Director of Customs JKDM KLIA, Zulkifli Muhammad said the largest seizure involved 72 units of computer servers containing sophisticated AI chips with an estimated value of RM50.4 million.
The tax value involved is estimated at RM2.52 million, bringing the total seizure to almost RM53 million.
He said that an inspection conducted on June 5 at a warehouse in the KLIA Free Trade Zone found the server that was brought in from a country in Asia using an Air Waybill document before it was believed to be re-exported to another country in the same region.
Initial investigations found that the equipment was believed to be subject to the Strategic Trade Act 2010 because it contained a high-tech AI chip that was categorised as strategic goods and subject to export controls.
According to him, the syndicate is believed to have declared the shipment as 'computer components' to avoid detection by the authorities, in addition to using Malaysia as a transit location before the goods were sent to their final destination.
The case is being investigated under Section 12 of the Strategic Trade Act 2010 which provides for a fine of up to RM10 million or a maximum prison sentence of 10 years or both if convicted.
In a separate operation on June 10, the KLIA JKDM also seized 4,760 vape liquid cartridges worth RM1.19 million suspected of containing methamphetamine.
The seizure was made after enforcement officers intercepted six boxes wrapped in black plastic at Ground Team Red (GTR), KLIA Free Trade Zone. The boxes were declared as computer processing unit (CPU) spare parts to be exported to a neighbouring country.
Further inspection found that the vape cartridges were hidden in the CPU casing to confuse the authorities' inspection.
Initial checks showed that the liquid was suspected to contain methamphetamine before all the items were confiscated for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment and not less than 12 strokes of the cane if convicted.
JKDM stressed that it will continue to strengthen controls at all entry points to the country to combat smuggling activities that can affect national security and cause leakage of government revenue.
The public is also encouraged to report any information related to smuggling activities via the Customs Toll-Free Line 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest customs office, with the assurance that the identity of the informant will remain confidential.
