KUALA LUMPUR: The Prisons Department confirmed that heightened security monitoring foiled an attempt to smuggle prohibited items into Melaka's Sungai Udang Prison Complex via drone.
Personnel detected suspicious drone activity and lodged a police report, enabling authorities to take swift enforcement action, the department said.
"Following the report, police launched an operation and arrested two local suspects believed to be involved in the attempt.
"Several items suspected to be linked to the operation were also seized," the department said in a statement on Monday (July 20).
It also thanked the police for their prompt action and close cooperation in tackling the crime.
"The strong collaboration between both agencies will continue to be strengthened to ensure prison security remains at the highest level and that any attempts to bring prohibited items into prison facilities are effectively prevented," it added.
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The department said that it has also initiated an internal investigation to determine whether any inmates or other individuals were involved in the attempted smuggling.
"We will not tolerate any breach of the law or misconduct that could compromise the security and order of prison institutions.
"The case remains under police investigation, and the department said it would not comment further to avoid affecting the ongoing probe," the statement read.
The department also urged the public to refrain from speculating on the case, saying such speculation could interfere with investigations and legal proceedings.
"We will continue enhancing prison security through the use of technology, intelligence gathering, security patrols and closer inter-agency cooperation to address emerging threats, including the misuse of drones for criminal activities.
"We are committed to safeguarding the security, order and integrity of prison institutions while strengthening strategic cooperation with the police and other enforcement agencies to combat criminal activities that threaten national security," the department added.
