Cannabis haul seized in Thailand could fetch RM1.96m in Malaysia

A 20KG haul of cannabis flowers seized from a Malaysian-registered car in southern Thailand could fetch up to RM1.96 million in Malaysia, according to Thai police, who arrested a Malaysian man in his 30s over suspected smuggling.

The suspect was detained at about 11.45am yesterday while passing through the Padang Besar Customs checkpoint in Sadao district, Songkhla, en route to Malaysia.

A Region 9 Police spokesman said an inspection uncovered the cannabis flowers, estimated to be worth RM36,599, hidden in a specially modified compartment accessible from the passenger cabin and boot.

“The cannabis flowers were packed in several transparent plastic bags and hidden in a specially modified compartment that could be accessed from the passenger seating area and the boot.

“The car was stopped while heading towards Malaysia, before its driver, a Malaysian man in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle the cannabis flowers out of Thailand,” he said.

The spokesman said the drugs could be worth between RM700,000 and RM1.96 million in Malaysia, depending on their grade and supply chain.

The suspect faces possible charges under Thailand’s Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), which provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods, or both, the spokesman said.

He added that additional penalties could apply if the cannabis flowers were valued at more than RM3,659.50 per kilogram. - October 17, 2026