![[UPDATED] MACC: Smuggling ring moved drugs, contraband via Malacca strait](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F14ntmacc4_1755146300.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] MACC: Smuggling ring moved drugs, contraband via Malacca strait
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, in confirming this today, said: "Based on our investigations, the smuggling ring was believed to be moving their product through the Strait of Malacca, mostly off the Johor coasts."
He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2025 Chief Commissioner Roundtable Conference at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers here today.
Azam said those responsible for national security were instead allegedly facilitating smuggling activities.
"They are supposed to safeguard the country's security, protect information and share that information with enforcement agencies.
"Such leaks have allowed smuggling activities to continue rampantly, particularly in the waters from the Strait of Malacca to Johor," he said
Yesterday, the MACC dismantled a drug and contraband smuggling syndicate involving senior armed forces officers in the southern region.
The operation, codenamed Op Sohor, resulted in the arrest of five senior military officers and five civilians.
According to sources, the suspects, aged between 30 and 55 and including an Indonesian national, were arrested around the Klang Valley.
The operation was carried out by the MACC Intelligence Division with assistance from the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad.
Sources had added that the syndicate is believed to have been capable of moving goods worth RM5 million each month.
The senior officers arrested were from the armed forces' intelligence division, including two former personnel from the same unit.
They had been tasked with monitoring and curbing smuggling activities, but are believed to have colluded with the syndicate for the past five years — allegedly amassing more than RM3 million in bribes.
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