MMEA seizes 9kg cannabis in waters off Langkawi

ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized 9kg of cannabis worth RM45,000, believed to have been smuggled in from a neighbouring country, near Langkawi.

Kedah/Perlis maritime director First Admiral Romli Mustafa said the seizure was made at 10.25pm Thursday (Feb 9) after the movement of a fibreglass boat entering the country's waters from the Thai border.

He said a patrol boat on Ops Aman rounds was sent to the location 2.9 nautical miles (5.37km) north-west of Pulau Dangli near Langkawi, and intercepted the suspicious boat for inspection.

"Realising the patrol boat's presence, a suspect threw a sack into the sea and the boat then changed course to turn back towards the Thai border.

"The sack, which was retrieved, was found to hold nine pieces of compressed cannabis weighing 9kg in total and estimated to be worth RM45,000," he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 10).

Members of the public with any complaints and information, as well as emergencies at sea, can contact Kedah and Perlis MMEA at 04-9662750 or MERS 999 for assistance. – Bernama