Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 20 kilogrammes of syabu, valued at RM1 million, to a neighbouring country. The contraband was seized at Batu Layar beach, off the waters of East Johor, last Wednesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation was led by the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone's Acting Director, Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Sam. He detailed that the seizure occurred after a patrol boat, responding to intelligence reports, intercepted a fibreglass boat with two individuals on board at approximately 9.40 pm.

The suspects, upon noticing the enforcement authorities, attempted to evade capture by turning back and speeding towards the shore. Commander Mohd Najib revealed this information during a press conference, adding that a pursuit ensued for nearly 10 minutes. The suspects eventually abandoned their boat, jumping into the sea about 700 metres from the shoreline, and managed to escape towards the beach.

Efforts are underway to track down the two individuals involved. Authorities have not dismissed the possibility that the drugs were intended for a handover to another party at sea. Commander Mohd Najib also highlighted the relatively short distance, about 30 to 40 nautical miles, from the coast to the nearest neighbouring country, suggesting a potential mid-sea transfer plan given the boat's modest 85-horsepower engine.

Inside the boat, all the drugs were found packed in a bag. The vessel and its engine, estimated to be worth RM40,000, have been seized. The substances will be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis, while forensic teams are set to conduct fingerprint examinations on the boat. The investigation continues under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.