The Kelantan Customs Department has successfully intercepted 28 drug trafficking operations since January, thanks to its K9 Unit, with total seizures valued at RM30.2 million.
Director Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long revealed that these busts were carried out during coordinated operations at major national entry points, as well as targeted missions driven by intelligence efforts.
Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long
He credited the K9 Unit for its pivotal role in uncovering smuggling attempts, particularly those involving drugs hidden in vehicles and luggage.
“The efforts of the unit proved that control elements at the country’s key entry points are getting stronger in our bid to curb drug trafficking.”
Speaking at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex on Friday (12 September), Wan Jamal shared that the East Zone Narcotics K9 Unit currently operates with three Labrador Retrievers imported from India—Tara, Bittu, and Snoopy.
He explained that the K9 teams are part of the Rantau Panjang Customs Enforcement Unit and are always on standby for field deployment, especially in narcotics-related cases.
“This unit also implements controls at all key entry points in Kelantan on a rotation basis, in addition to being assigned at certain locations based on requirements and intelligence gathering.”
Kelantan’s secret weapon against drug smuggling
Tracing the unit’s history, Wan Jamal noted that the Kelantan Customs Narcotics Unit began in 1986 with a modest team of four officers, three dog handlers, and three detection dogs. It has since grown significantly, both in manpower and infrastructure.
“Kelantan Customs is committed to continuing efforts to curb drug smuggling and trafficking, ensuring the safety of the country and the well-being of the people,” he shared.
He also described the detection method used by the K9 unit, where dogs are guided around suspect vehicles. If drugs are present, the dogs signal by sitting quietly beside the vehicle.
“So far, assignments using narcotics detection dogs have been extremely satisfying, and this will be continued from time to time in our efforts to combat the drug menace in the state.”
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