The Royal Malaysian Customs Department foiled an attempt by an Indian national to smuggle in 5.15kg of methamphetamine worth RM360,500 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here yesterday.

The department's KLIA director, Datuk Hamzah Sundang said the suspect, a 55-year-old farmer, was detained about 7.10 am shortly after arriving at the airport from Chennai, India.

"The methamphetamine was found at the bottom of the baggage he was carrying which was found to have been modified to hide the illegal substance.

"Checks also revealed that the man had entered Malaysia five times before, " he told a press conference here today.

Hamzah said the suspect admitted entering Malaysia as tourist and brought along some textile, which was also found in the bag, to be sold.

The man is in for seven days to facilitate investigation under Section 39(B) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

-- BERNAMA