JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs worth almost RM7 million to a neighbouring country after arresting two local men in an operation in the southeast waters of Tanjung Piai, Pontian last Monday.
Johor State Maritime Acting Director, Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil said the siblings, aged 26 and 40, were arrested at 12.36am after the fibre boat they were on was spotted about 3.5 nautical miles in the waters in question.
He said the operation was carried out following intelligence information received regarding the presence of suspicious boats, before maritime patrol boats were deployed to carry out monitoring and detection.
“The results of the inspection of the boat found several packages hidden under the seats and a pile of nets.
“Further inspection found that the package contained drugs suspected to be syabu weighing 88.2 kilograms (kg) estimated to be worth RM4.41 million as well as 30,000 ecstasy pills weighing 18 kg worth RM2.25 million,” he said at a press conference here today.
Kama Azri said further investigation by the investigating officer and detective team then led to the discovery of a yellow Perodua Myvi in the yard of a residence in Gelang Patah.
He said a search of the vehicle found 787 vape cartridges containing a new synthetic drug known as “Piu Piu” with an estimated value of RM196,750.
Meanwhile, he said the investigation found that the suspect acted as a drug transporter and received a payment of approximately RM16,000, with the 26-year-old man acting as the captain, while his brother acted as an assistant.
Kama Azri said urine screening results also found that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine.
He said the suspect was remanded for seven days starting Monday and the case was being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The public is also urged to channel any information related to crime via the Johor Maritime Operations Centre hotline at 013-7001235 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action.
–BERNAMA
