KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized drugs and smuggled cigarettes worth more than RM111.73mil in the first seven months of this year.
Its director-general, Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said the agency had conducted 125,387 inspections as of July.
“Of the total, 11 drug-related cases were recorded, involving seizures worth RM86.07mil.
“For cigarette smuggling cases, 164 cases were recorded, with seizures valued at RM25.66mil,” he said when contacted on Sunday (Aug 30).
Mohd Rosli added that Maritime Malaysia had also foiled attempts to smuggle undocumented migrants into the country, resulting in the arrest of 885 migrants.
He said the agency remained committed to monitoring the country's waters and combating cross-border crimes, particularly drug trafficking activities.
“We will not compromise with any attempt to distribute drugs within the Malaysian Maritime Zone and will ensure that every individual or syndicate involved faces the appropriate legal action.
“The agency will also continue to work closely with other security forces to track down and bring to justice all masterminds behind these syndicates.
“The security of the nation's waters remains Maritime Malaysia's priority,” he said.
