KOTA KINABALU: A group of people ran helter-skelter with some even jumping into the sea when enforcement officials were seen approaching the Kudat jetty.
Some hid in between fishing boats as they tried to evade capture, but it was all in vain when 25 of them were eventually caught during an integrated operation on Wednesday (Feb 7).
Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) zone director for Kudat, maritime commander Maurice Grenville Abeyratne said the suspects comprised locals and undocumented individuals.
"From the 25 individuals, six tested positive for methamphetamine," he said in a statement, Friday (Feb 9).
He said in the 8am raid, the MMEA together with other agencies including the National Anti-Drug Agency had approached the fishing jetty by sea after reconnaissance was conducted on land.
"During our sea checks while approaching the jetty, we saw that there were people running with some jumping into the water and hiding in between boats," said Maurice.
Enforcement officials came in from various directions and managed to nab 25 people.
"They are being investigated for various offences including immigration and drugs," he said.