MMEA Foils RM1 Million Syabu Smuggling Attempt Off East Johor Coast

KOTA TINGGI,  April 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 20 kilogrammes of syabu worth RM1 million to a neighbouring country following the seizure of the contraband at Batu Layar beach, off the waters of East Johor, last Wednesday (April 8).

Its Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone Acting Director, Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Sam,  said the drugs were seized after a patrol boat, acting on intelligence, intercepted a fibreglass boat carrying two individuals at about 9.40 pm.

“Upon spotting enforcement authorities, the suspects turned back and sped towards the shore in an attempt to evade arrest,” he told a press conference here today.

He said a pursuit ensued for nearly 10 minutes before the suspects abandoned the boat, jumping into the sea about 700 metres from the shoreline and fleeing towards the beach.

Authorities are currently tracking down the two individuals and have not ruled out the possibility that the drugs were meant to be handed over to another party at sea, he added.

Mohd Najib noted that the relatively short distance, about 30 to 40 nautical miles, from the coast to the nearest neighbouring country, combined with the boat’s modest 85-horsepower engine, suggests a possible mid-sea transfer plan.

“All the drugs were found packed in a bag inside the boat. We also seized the vessel and its engine, estimated to be worth RM40,000,” he said.

The seized substances will be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis, while forensic teams will conduct fingerprint examinations on the boat.

The case is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

-- BERNAMA