KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle nine packets of methamphetamine in the waters of Kudat, Sabah Media reported.
Kudat Maritime Zone director Commander Maurice Grenville Abeyeratne said the operation was executed around 4.30am after receiving credible intelligence.
The maritime patrol spotted a suspicious boat approximately 0.2 nautical miles east of Bankawan Island, Banggi.
As the enforcement team approached, the suspect's boat sped off towards a shallow mangrove area.
By 4.50am, a blue, unregistered pump boat believed to be used by the suspects was found abandoned near the mangroves, with the suspects presumed to have escaped by diving into the sea and hiding in the mangrove forest.
Further inspection of the boat revealed nine luminous packets suspected to contain approximately 400g of methamphetamine, aimed at being smuggled into the mainland.
The boat and seized items were brought to Marina Kudat Jetty and handed over to the investigating officer for further action under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The total value of the seized narcotics is estimated to be over RM50,000.
Following the incident, the Kudat Maritime Zone urges the local community, especially the maritime community, to assist MMEA by reporting any suspicious maritime activities in their area.