Johor bahru: The Johor Region Two Marine Police Force (PPM) successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle nearly 700,000 lobster fry valued at approximately RM13.4 million to Singapore through the sea route at Tanjung Belungkor yesterday afternoon.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the seizure was executed by a team from the Johor Marine Intelligence Unit in partnership with the state Fisheries Department following intelligence received about the smuggling operation around 6.30 pm. The operation targeted an Isuzu lorry located at an illegal jetty, which led to the discovery of the lobster fry stored in white polystyrene boxes at the back of the vehicle.

The inspection revealed 124 white polystyrene boxes containing transparent plastic bags filled with an estimated 671,600 lobster fry. Three local male workers, aged between 31 and 57, were detained for failing to produce valid export documents. The detained suspects and the seized items, including the lorry, were transported to the state Fisheries Department office for documentation and further proceedings. The case is currently under investigation pursuant to Section 40 of the Fisheries Act 1985.