TAWAU: A local skipper was arrested in the waters off Sungai Haji Kuning, Sebatik Island, for possessing 0.5gm of suspected syabu.
Tawau Zone Maritime Director Capt Shahrizan Raman said the suspect was detained by a patrol team that detected a suspicious boat heading towards CIQ Tawau from Sungai Haji Kuning.
He said maritime enforcement conducting “Op Sejahtera/Op Pluto Timur” detained the boat for inspection.
“During the search, a small packet containing suspected syabu weighing 0.5gm, along with equipment, was found inside the skipper’s bag,” he said.
The skipper was then taken to the Tawau Malaysia Maritime Jetty for further investigation.
Shahrizan said the seized goods, including the boat’s engine, were estimated to be worth RM22,000.
“The case was transferred to the investigating officer of the Tawau Maritime Zone, and the investigation is conducted under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he said.
Saying the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will continue to combat illegal activities, Shahrizan urged the public to call 089-752115 or MERS 999 if they detect any illegal activities.