KUALA LUMPUR — A 24-year-old Malaysian national arrested in Macau for allegedly smuggling RM2.09 million worth of heroin has been revealed to hold a pre-existing narcotics record back home.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan disclosed that official communication regarding the Sarawakian suspect’s arrest was received from Macau authorities yesterday. A background check quickly exposed the suspect’s prior illicit activities.

“Our checks found that the man has two previous narcotics-related criminal records under Section 12(2) and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” Hussein confirmed when contacted today.

The interception occurred on June 20 at Macau International Airport. Customs officers discovered nearly three kilograms (2.987 kg) of heroin uniquely disguised inside the suspect’s baggage. The contraband was hidden inside sardine cans bearing false “tuna paste” labels, which were meticulously packed alongside 49 boxes of tuna biscuits destined for a nearby regional market.

Intelligence indicates the trafficking network bypassed domestic exit points entirely to minimize detection.

“The suspect did not depart from Malaysia but from a neighbouring country to the north, and the drugs are believed to have been obtained from that country,” Hussein explained.

Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect was recruited by a Malaysian syndicate for a promised payout of RM3,000 upon successful delivery.

Federal police are now actively collaborating with regional cross-border enforcement agencies to track down the network’s masterminds. Hussein concluded by advising Malaysian travelers to maintain strict oversight of their personal luggage to prevent being unwittingly exploited as international drug mules.

-NMT