JOHOR BARU: An attempt to smuggle lobster fry to a neighbouring country was foiled following a raid at an illegal jetty at Tanjung Belungkor, Pengerang.
“During the raid, three Malaysian men, aged between 31 and 57, were detained for further investigation.
“Checks on a lorry uncovered 125 white polystyrene boxes containing transparent plastic packets filled with lobster fry,” said Marine Police Region II commander Asst Comm Noor Azman Jamal.
In a statement yesterday, he said the operation was carried out at about 6.30am on Friday after the marine police received intelligence on the smuggling activity.
ACP Noor Azman said a team from the Johor Marine Intelligence Unit, working together with the Johor Fisheries Department, raided a lorry parked at the illegal jetty.
Initial investigations found that the suspects planned to smuggle the lobster fry out of the country by sea, he said.
“They failed to produce any valid permit or documents for the possession and transportation of the marine species,” he said.
ACP Noor Azman said all three suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Johor Fisheries Department for documentation and further action.
The total value of the seizure, including the lorry, was estimated at RM13.5mil.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 40 of the Fisheries Act for exporting fisheries resources without a valid permit.
ACP Noor Azman said the marine police would continue to intensify enforcement efforts to curb illegal import and export of lobster fry.
Such smuggling activities could cause losses to the country and threaten the sustainability of marine resources, he said.
