COCAINE TRAFFICKING RINGS 'VENTURE' INTO TEXTILES

By Kurniawati Kamarudin

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- International cocaine trafficking
syndicates appear to have 'ventured' into textiles.

Drug mules recruited by the syndicates are known to carry more than an
unusual
number of clothes in their luggage when on overseas sojourns.

It is understood that the cocaine is diluted before the clothes are dipped
in
the solution, dried and smuggled to foreign countries.

Upon arrival in a country of their destination, the clothes are soaked in
water
and wringed.

The resultant liquid is then dried and the cocaine is crystallised for sale
to
ready buyers.

The police uncovered this new modus operandi when they arrested a suspected
Filipino drug mule linked to an international syndicate, here Friday morning.


A police source said the 42-year-old woman was nabbed about 8.50am when she
was about to catch a north-bound bus at the Puduraya bus station.

He said the woman who carried two bags, had earlier flown in from Peru at
the KL International Airport.

A check on the suspect's luggage revealed 23 shirts of similar colour and
design.

The source said suspicion arose when the shirts felt heavy and rough to the
touch.

Further investigations revealed that the shirts had been immersed in liquid
cocaine.

"The total weight of the shirts was close to 10kg, and it is believed
the drug was diluted before the clothes were dipped in the liquid and dried," he
added.

City narcotics division chief ACP Kang Chez Chiang when contacted today,
said the police had discovered a similar modus operandi previously, but using
wet towels.

"Dipping clothes in drugs is a new tactic," he noted.

-- BERNAMA