ALOR GAJAH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized 179 litres of synthetic drug base worth RM15mil, believed to be bound for a neighbouring country through Melaka waters.
Acting deputy director-general (Operations) for Melaka and Negri Sembilan Maritime Rear Adm Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the seizure was the largest ever recorded by the agency for such a substance.
He said initial tests indicated the liquid contained methamphetamine, ecstasy and nicotine, and was usually used in the production of synthetic drugs.
“Intelligence gathered by the state maritime team, in collaboration with the Maritime Intelligence Division from MMEA Headquarters, led to the discovery of 15 boxes wrapped in black plastic along the shore of Pengkalan Balak Beach, near the Sailing Boat Training Centre here on Thursday (May 1).
“Upon inspecting the boxes, we discovered 179 bottles containing one litre of chemical liquid each, used in the processing of synthetic drugs and worth nearly RM15mil," he said in a statement on Monday (May 5).
He said the boxes were found stacked by the seaside and it was believed that the smugglers planned to pick them up by boat.
Rear Adm Zawawi said the agency suspects local individuals are behind the operation, coordinating the timing of their activities.
"The illegal market in the neighbouring country is also experiencing a rising demand for synthetic drugs, and this quantity is sufficient to supply between 300,000 and 800,000 addicts.
“This substance can also be used in electronic cigarettes or vape devices, and we do not rule out the possibility that it may also be (sold) as vape liquid in our country, as the substance is being smuggled out from here," he added.
The case is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952.
