GEORGE TOWN: The Marine police have foiled an attempt to smuggle more than RM5mil worth of methamphetamine to Indonesia after intercepting a fibre boat during a high-speed chase off Pulau Rimau here.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the operation, carried out on July 17 under Op Taring Gelora, resulted in the seizure of drugs and drug-laced vape cartridges worth a total of RM5.99mil
He said the operation was mounted by the Penang Marine Police Force Region One's Marine Intelligence Unit, with support from patrol boats PSC 60 and PSC 45, following intelligence on a fibre boat believed to be used by an international drug syndicate.
"At about seven nautical miles south of Pulau Rimau, the team detected a suspicious boat.
"When ordered to stop for inspection, the suspects sped off and carried out dangerous manoeuvres in an attempt to evade arrest. Following a pursuit at sea, marine police successfully intercepted the vessel," he said during a press conference at Batu Uban marine police jetty.
Comm Mohd Yusri said a search of the boat uncovered 113.776kg of methamphetamine, commonly known as syabu, estimated to be worth RM5.69mil
Police also seized 3,497 electronic cigarette (vape) cartridges containing 6.3kg of liquid methamphetamine, valued at RM315,000.
"The fibre boat believed to have been used by the syndicate was seized, bringing the total value of the haul, including the vessel, to RM6.12mil," he said.
Comm Mohd Yusri said the seizure disrupted a supply chain capable of reaching more than 570,000 drug users.
He added that the liquid methamphetamine contained in the vape cartridges could have supplied another 31,500 users.
Two Indonesian men, aged 30 and 51, were arrested during the operation.
"They are believed to have acted as sea transporters responsible for ferrying the drug consignment from Malaysia to Indonesia," he said, adding that the suspects were paid RM10,000 each to transport the drugs.
Both men have been remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
Comm Mohd Yusri said the case highlighted the continued use of Malaysia's maritime routes by international drug trafficking syndicates.
He said the force would continue strengthening intelligence gathering, sea patrols and enforcement efforts to detect and stop cross-border smuggling activities at an early stage.
He added that, as of June this year, Penang Marine Police Region One had recorded 337 cases under Op Taring Gelora, with nine arrests and seizures worth RM226,150.
Overall, the unit recorded 361 cases, 49 arrests and total seizures amounting to RM10.44mil during the same period.
