Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah and Labuan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 42 kilogrammes of syabu worth RM1.9 million from an unregistered boat found drifting near the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Papa Station on Monday.
Sabah MMEA Director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali said the total value of the seizure, including the boat, was estimated at RM2.5 million, making it the largest drug bust by Sabah MMEA to date.
He said the vessel was handed over to MMEA around 8.20am after being spotted adrift by navy personnel.
“An initial inspection by the navy uncovered three suspicious packages hidden in the bilges.
“A further inspection at Sepanggar MMEA jetty, assisted by our Forensic Team and Maritime Crime Investigation Section, found another 39 packages concealed in the water storage tank,” he said.
He said all 42 packages, weighing a total of 42kg, are suspected to contain dangerous drugs and will be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, on conviction.
“No crew was found on board the boat, believed to be a leisure or fishing vessel,” Khairulanuar said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the boat’s origin and whether the contraband was intended for Sabah or another country.
Sabah MMEA Director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali said the total value of the seizure, including the boat, was estimated at RM2.5 million, making it the largest drug bust by Sabah MMEA to date.
He said the vessel was handed over to MMEA around 8.20am after being spotted adrift by navy personnel.
“An initial inspection by the navy uncovered three suspicious packages hidden in the bilges.
“A further inspection at Sepanggar MMEA jetty, assisted by our Forensic Team and Maritime Crime Investigation Section, found another 39 packages concealed in the water storage tank,” he said.
He said all 42 packages, weighing a total of 42kg, are suspected to contain dangerous drugs and will be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, on conviction.
“No crew was found on board the boat, believed to be a leisure or fishing vessel,” Khairulanuar said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the boat’s origin and whether the contraband was intended for Sabah or another country.
