LANGKAWI: Marine police foiled an attempt to smuggle 107.6kg of methamphetamine worth RM3.5 million when they intercepted two suspects near Pulau Lima's waters here.
The two men, spotted at 11pm on Monday, leapt into the sea to evade arrest.
Marine Police Region 1 commander Assistant Commissioner Rusley Chi Ari said the drugs were hidden in 102 Chinese tea packs and loaded onto a fibreglass boat.
"The boat's suspicious movements were detected during a special operation following a public tip-off. The operation involved two officers and 32 personnel aboard six patrol boats.
"A 45-minute chase ensued, during which the suspects threw objects into the sea before jumping overboard in their attempt to flee," he said at a press conference at the Langkawi police headquarters here today.
Rusley said checks revealed 102 blocks of methamphetamine weighing 107.581kg, valued at RM3,550,173. The drugs were believed to be en route to a neighbouring country, using Langkawi as a transit point.
"We suspect the crime was orchestrated by an international syndicate. Such illicit activities are under constant surveillance.
"The total seizure, including the fibreglass boat and two engines, is worth RM3,750,223."
He added that if the drugs had reached their destination, they could have been used by up to 200,000 individuals.
"Efforts to locate the two suspects are ongoing, and the case is being investigated under Section 39(B) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952."