MMEA Blocks Cannabis Smuggling Bid in Kuala Perlis, Seizes 50kg Worth RM150,000
KANGAR, Feb 23 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has thwarted a smuggling attempt involving 50 kilograms of suspected cannabis valued at around RM150,000 during a coastal enforcement operation in Kuala Perlis.
Kedah and Perlis Maritime director Romli Mustafa said the seizure was made after officers conducting Op Aman and Op Tiris 3.0 detected suspicious items along the shoreline near the Malaysia-Thailand border.
Further inspection uncovered three sacks containing 49 compressed cannabis blocks.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs were intended to be smuggled into the country via sea routes before being distributed locally,” he said during a press conference.
Drugs could have reached tens of thousands
Romli said the seized cannabis was estimated to be worth RM150,000 depending on market conditions.
He added that the supply could have been divided into thousands of smaller packets.
Authorities believe the drugs could have reached more than 30,000 users if not intercepted.
He said the successful seizure prevented a large quantity of illegal drugs from entering circulation.
First maritime drug seizure in Perlis this year
Romli said the case marked the first MMEA drug seizure in Perlis in 2026.
Each kilogram of cannabis was estimated to be worth about RM3,000.
The location has previously been linked to smuggling activities.
Maritime enforcement stepped up
Following the incident, MMEA will intensify patrols and monitoring in northern waters.
Romli said cooperation with other enforcement agencies will be strengthened.
He added that authorities remain committed to preventing drug trafficking through Malaysian waters.
-wilayah.com.my
