Kastam rampas etomidate, rokok dan arak lebih RM1 juta

Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (JKDM) Pahang has seized and impounded a variety of high-value goods, including etomidate powder, cigarettes, and untaxed beverages, amounting to over RM1 million in illicit earnings. The largest seizure involved 5.13kg of white powder suspected to be etomidate, found in a shipment at a distribution center in Shah Alam, Selangor on September 3.

This contraband, believed to be for vape manufacturing, was allegedly being transported via air and the recipient remains unidentified, as the shipment was only labeled with a generic address. Authorities are awaiting chemical analysis results and investigating the individuals involved.

Separately, Pahang's customs department intercepted 20,000 packs of white cigarettes, 400,000 cigarette sticks, and 6,504 bottles of various brand untaxed beverages from an empty warehouse in Sungai Jawi, Pulau Pinang. The value of these seized items totaled RM32,000 for cigarettes and RM22,342 for beverages, with an additional RM371,366 in duties and taxes.

As of January to mid-October, JKDM Pahang has seized and impounded a combined RM16.97 million worth of contraband, with enforcement efforts yielding the highest number of cigarette-related cases during this period. Pahang's strategic land and sea connections, linking the northern, southern, and western parts of Peninsular Malaysia, make it a frequent route for smuggling activities in addition to serving local demand.