Pahang maritime authorities seize 1.57 tonnes of meth in their largest-ever drug bust, valued at RM83.75 million, arresting 18 crew members from two vessels.

KUANTAN: The Pahang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has made its largest-ever drug seizure, confiscating 1.572 tonnes of methamphetamine valued at an estimated RM83.75 million.

The haul, discovered during a special operation in state waters, also included 50,000 litres of diesel and two vessels believed to be destined for the international market.

Pahang Maritime director Mazlan Mat Rejab said the drugs could potentially have been distributed to about nine million individuals.

The operation led to the detention of the Thai-registered tanker Kamal Bangkok and its 13 crew members, comprising 10 Thai and three Indonesian nationals.

Authorities detained the vessel approximately 107 nautical miles northeast of Kuantan.

A second Indonesian-registered cargo vessel, Sail Fish 09, was detained in the same vicinity with five crew members believed to be linked to the first ship.

Mazlan described the arrests and seizure as a significant milestone in efforts to curb drug smuggling in Pahang’s waters.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Immigration Act 1958.

All 18 crew members will be remanded to facilitate investigations.

 The Sun Malaysia