Malaysian Maritime Patrols Net Drug Suspect off Tawau

A local citizen boat driver in Tawau, Malaysia was arrested for possession of crystal powder suspected of being a syabu-type drug. He was arrested at 1.5 nautical miles northwest of Sungai Haji Kuning on Pulau Sebatik. The arrest was made after a boat was spotted moving in suspicious conditions from Sungai Haji Kuning towards CIQ Tawau. The Malaysian Maritime patrol boat detained the boat and carried out an inspection. The examination found a small packet containing crystal-like substances suspected to be syabu-type drugs, weighing about 0.5 grams, and a drug suction device. The juragan (boat driver) was arrested and taken to the Malaysian Maritime Pier Tawau for urine screening and further investigation. All items, including boats and engines, were seized with an estimated value of RM22,000. The case is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for suspected drug possession. Maritime Malaysia, in particular the Tawau Maritime Zone, will continue to intensify its monitoring, patrolling, and enforcement tasks, and to improve relations with the maritime community to enhance the dissemination of information from the public.