MMEA disposes of drugs worth over RM27mil

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has disposed of various types of drugs weighing 1,301 kilograms, worth more than RM27 million, that were seized between 2020 and earlier this year, according to its deputy director-general (Management) Khairul Anwar Bachok. These drugs were seized in the Kedah and Perlis Maritime Zones, the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zoneas, the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone, and the Batu Pahat Maritime Zone in Johor. The disposal was carried out after the MMEA obtained an official court order. The drugs included cannabis, heroin, morphine, methamphetamine, and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and were destroyed through the burning method in an incubator. This method is safe and effective, avoiding pollution of the environment.

The press conference was held at Syarikat Kualiti Alam and was attended by Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria and Kedah/Perlis MMEA director First Admiral Romli Mustafa. Khairul Anwar Bachok explained that along the coastal border between Kuala Perlis and Satun, Thailand, drugs were thrown into the sea upon realizing the presence of authorities. These drugs were brought in from a neighboring country and were believed to be marketed in Langkawi and Penang. In Johor, the drugs were sourced from neighboring countries and Malaysia was used as a transit location before being marketed abroad. The mastermind behind this operation is believed to involve local citizens.

In response to these drug smuggling activities, Khairul Anwar Bachok announced that the MMEA will increase patrols and enforcement in the country’s waters, particularly in hotspot locations suspected of being involved in criminal activities such as drug smuggling at sea.