PORT DICKSON: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle in 4.27 million sticks of contraband kretek (clove cigarettes) in waters of Tanjung Sepat, Selangor.
MMEA Melaka and Negri Sembilan director Maritime Capt Iskandar Ishak said the cigarettes were found at about 1.30am on Monday (May 15) in a motorised boat abandoned in a mangrove swamp.
"Based on intelligence reports and with the assistance of our Maritime Sea Surveillance System or SWASLA radar, we detected a suspicious-looking contact heading towards Tanjung Sepat around 11.30am the night before.
"One of our assets patrolling in the area was then sent to check out the contact," he said.
Capt Iskandar said the suspects sped off when they realised the MMEA was closing in.
The MMEA vessel gave chase, forcing the suspects to divert into the swamp.
Capt Iskandar said the suspects then abandoned the boat and escaped as the darkness and muddy terrain made it difficult to spot them.
He added that the boat and its cargo were then seized.
"The estimated value of the seized contraband and boat is RM3.15mil," he said, adding that the case is being probed under the Customs Act 1967.
He hoped the public would continue to provide the MMEA with information to check cross-border crime.
He urged them to contact the agency at 06-3876730 or the MERS999 line which operates 24 hours.
