MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Miri achieved its largest drug haul of the year last Sunday, seizing 10kg of methamphetamine, or syabu, worth an estimated RM350,000 following a high-speed chase.
MMEA Sarawak deputy director of operations, Capt Simon Templer Lo Tusa, told The Borneo Post that an MMEA patrol boat spotted a suspicious vessel, operated by a male suspect, approximately 0.3 nautical miles west of Luak Esplanade beach around 5am.
"Upon realising the presence of the MMEA boat, the suspect attempted to flee. The team activated their sirens, but the boat did not stop, leading to a high-speed chase that lasted about 10 minutes," Simon stated at a press conference today.
"The chase ended when the suspect's boat entered shallower waters, and the suspect jumped off and escaped to the shore," he said.
A search of the boat revealed a bag containing 10 yellow-coloured plastic packets. Initial investigations indicated that these packets contained a crystalline substance suspected to be syabu, with a total weight of 10kg.
"The drugs are estimated to be worth RM350,000. Additionally, the team confiscated the wooden boat and an outboard engine, valued at approximately RM10,000, bringing the total seizure value to RM360,000," Simon said.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
"MMEA will continue to bolster its enforcement, particularly in Miri waters, and will not tolerate any criminal activities. The public can report any information, complaints, or incidents at sea by contacting MERS 999, the Miri Maritime operation center at 085-418204, or the Sarawak Maritime operations center at 082-432544 or 082-432016," he added.
Present at the press conference were MMEA Miri deputy director of operations, Lt Cmdr (M) Muhd Firdaus Saniman, and senior investigating officer, Lt (M) Allyson Linggie Michael Merom.