A karaoke bar owner has found himself behind bars after the 20kg sacks that he brought back from India turned out not to contain the spice that he had declared, but instead ketamine.
The incident occurred October 13, although the Customs Department only revealed the bust today.
The haul was valued at RM900,000 (US$213,000), and was in two separate packets in the suspect’s checked baggage.
While he claimed that they were turmeric, to be used in health tonics, subsequent testing revealed that the substance was actually the commonly used sedative ketamine — popular with horses, but also popular with partygoers who fancy anything from a mild trance-like vibe, to all-out disorientation leaving them in a paralytic k-hole while their friends look on.
Police also tested the suspect for drugs. The results came back positive.
He is currently in remand for 14 days, and faces a mandatory death penalty upon conviction.
Police added that they are investigating whether he was being used as a drug mule, or working for himself.
Last month, we reported that the country’s largest drug bust of 2017 had occurred at KLIA2, with 254kg of ketamine being discovered disguised as tea on the way to Taiwan.
The recreational effects of ketamine are relatively short-lasting, but you might die. Also, long-term use will make you incontinent.
Horses, cry away. Bladders, rejoice.
