The Kedah Customs Department has detained a man in connection with the seizure of an assortment of drugs worth about RM18.3 million last Tuesday.

The 26-year-old suspect was picked up at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam.

The seized drugs comprised 154kg of heroin, several packages of methamphetamine (38kg) and ketamine (6kg).

The department's deputy director-general Zulkifli Yahya said the man was picked up when Customs officers found suspicious-looking packages in the boot of his car at 9.15am, during inspection.

"Further checks in the plywood-covered audio system compartment led to the discovery of the drugs, which are estimated to cost RM18,330,000, making it one of the biggest seizures of drugs in recent times," Zulkifli told a press conference at the department's office in Bukit Kayu Hitam today.

In a follow-up operation, a 36-year-old man, believed to be a member of a drug syndicate, was detained in Alor Setar.

"Based on the arrests, we are investigating the source of the drugs and chain of supply," said Zulkifli, adding that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine and had been travelling to a neighbouring country more than twice.

- Bernama