SEPANG: The Royal Malaysian Customs at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recently foiled an attempt to smuggle in USD97,500 (RM320,701.88) through four "teddy bear" stuffed toys.

Customs director general Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad said two African men in their 20s were detained on Oct 28 in Puchong, in connection with the case.

He said Customs officers acting on information and surveillance traced the currency to the teddy bears which were packed in two boxes at the MASkargo, parcel courier section.

"The suspects expected to claim the packages which had arrived from the United States.

"We are not sure what the money is for. But we are afraid that it might be used to support terrorist or unlawful activities," he told a press conference here today.

Meanwhile, Khazali said the department foiled five currency smuggling attempts here between January and October this year, totalling RM2.08 million.

Four were busted by KLIA Customs while one, by Johor Customs.

He said the department also foiled 61 drug smuggling and trafficking attempts involving 552.63 kg, worth RM80,376,442.50, in the same period.

"The biggest haul of 27 cases was at KLIA, involving 343.84 kg, worth RM55,357,092.00. Our narcotics branch (headquarters) recorded seven cases, while Selangor, 10 cases, and Kedah, eight.

"Sabah recorded three cases, while Perak, two, and Sarawak, Penang, Johor and Perlis, one each," he said.

Khazali said the latest attempt involved a Filipino in his 30s, at KLIA on Oct 28.

"The suspect had arrived from Hong Kong carrying about 3.5 kg of methamphetamine worth RM655,000," he said. – Bernama