Latest news with #MohdZawawiAbdullah
The Star
09-05-2025
- The Star
MMEA finds RM15mil chemical drug mixture
ALOR GAJAH: A chemical drug mixture worth RM15mil, believed to have been intended for smuggling via the state's waters to a neighbouring country, has been seized. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) acting deputy director-general (operations) Rear Admiral (M) Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the seizure was the largest ever recorded by the agency involving chemical substances. He said initial tests indicated the liquid contained three main chemical components – methamphetamine, ecstasy and nicotine, usually used in the production of synthetic drugs. 'Intelligence gathered led to the discovery of 15 boxes wrapped in black plastic along the shore of Pengkalan Balak beach on May 1. 'Upon inspecting the boxes, we discovered 179 bottles containing one litre of chemical liquid each, used in the processing of synthetic drugs,' he said in a statement yesterday. Zawawi added that the boxes were found piled on rocks by the seaside, believed to have been left there to be collected and smuggled out to a neighbouring country using a small boat. The MMEA believes that locals are behind the operation.
The Star
09-05-2025
- The Star
MMEA to receive four AW189 helicopters next year, enhancing operational capabilities
PORT DICKSON: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will receive four Augusta Westland AW189 Medium Lift helicopters in stages next year, which will enhance its operational capabilities. MMEA acting deputy director-general (Operations) Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the procurement of two new vessels, the Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS), was also in its final stages. "We will also receive two New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV) and the ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast, which are expected to arrive in Malaysia by the end of this year once minor repairs and modifications in Baltimore, United States, have been completed. "The MMEA continues to strengthen its operations by acquiring several Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) that can accommodate helicopters to enhance its presence at sea further and bolster maritime security in national and international waters," he said. He said this to reporters after the closing ceremony of OP Redback 20, which was also attended by Australian Border Force (ABF) Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, Supt Brooke Leung and acting Melaka and Negeri Sembilan MMEA director, Maritime Commander Norrimi Hassan, here on Friday (May 9). Mohd Zawawi said the asset modernisation initiative was a key component of the 2023-2033 Strategic Plan, in line with current technological advancements and asset replacement efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Meanwhile, he said the MMEA had arrested 17 illegal immigrants nationwide between January and April this year. Mohd Zawawi said those detained comprised eight Indonesians and nine Myanmar nationals, aged between 15 and 60, who were caught attempting to enter or leave the country via illegal routes, including in Pengkalan Balak, Melaka; Sepang, Selangor; and Hutan Melintang, Perak. "During the same period, 16 individuals were arrested nationwide for smuggling controlled goods like petrol and diesel, especially in Sabah waters, and 17 others were detained for trafficking contraband items such as cigarettes, liquor, and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders, with goods valued at over RM9.2mil seized," he said. Meanwhile, Mohd Zawawi said efforts to combat maritime cross-border crime continued to be reinforced through Ops Redback 20, which involved strategic cooperation between the MMEA and the ABF in Melaka and Negeri Sembilan waters. According to him, during the operation, which took place from May 5 to 9, a total of 122 inspections were conducted, involving merchant ships, local fishing vessels, passenger boats, and tugboats across an area of 2,860 square kilometres, from Kuala Sepang, Selangor, to Kuala Kesang, Johor. "This operation is not just a bilateral cooperation but also a testament to our ongoing commitment to combating crimes such as smuggling, illegal activities, unreported and unregulated fishing, and migrant smuggling, all of which threaten the security of the country's waters," he said. Mohd Zawawi said the annual operation, which began in 2012 under a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian and Australian governments, has become a key platform for enhancing preparedness and the effectiveness of maritime law enforcement between the two countries. – Bernama
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- New Straits Times
MMEA foils chemical smuggling attempt, seizes drug precursors worth RM15mil
ALOR GAJAH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled a chemical smuggling attempt and seized drug precursors worth RM15 million in Melaka on May 1. MMEA acting deputy director-general (operations) Rear Admiral (M) Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the seizure, which is the largest recorded this year, was also the first involving precursors smuggled out of Melaka for sale in a neighbouring country. Investigations and intelligence gathering led to the discovery of 15 boxes wrapped in black plastic stacked on rocks along the shore of Pengkalan Balak, near the Sailing Training Centre here, he said. "Inspections conducted at 9.40pm found 179 one-litre bottles filled with chemicals used in processing synthetic drugs, capable of producing about 150kg of such drugs, believed to have been sent to the location using land vehicles before being loaded onto boats. "No arrests were made at the location as we believe the smugglers abandoned the materials after realising authorities were conducting patrols," he said in a media conference about the seizure at the Melaka and Negri Sembilan MMEA Office in Kuala Sungai Baru today. Mohd Zawawi also said that preliminary tests indicated that the chemical mixtures also contained methamphetamine, ecstasy and nicotine, and that it could be used for electronic cigarettes. "The seizure provides a clear indication that there are attempts by neighbouring countries to produce or process synthetic drugs in Malaysia, as previous seizures were of processed drugs," he said, adding that the precursors have been sent to a laboratory for further testing. The case is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952, he added. –Bernama
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Barnama
MMEA Foils Chemical Smuggling Attempt, Seizes Drug Precursors Worth RM15 Mln
ALOR GAJAH, May 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled a chemical smuggling attempt and seized drug precursors worth RM15 million in Melaka on May 1. MMEA acting deputy director-general (operations) Rear Admiral (M) Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the seizure, which is the largest recorded this year, was also the first involving precursors smuggled out of Melaka for sale in a neighbouring country. Investigations and intelligence gathering led to the discovery of 15 boxes wrapped in black plastic stacked on rocks along the shore of Pengkalan Balak, near the Sailing Training Centre here, he added. "Inspections conducted at 9.40 pm found 179 one-litre bottles filled with chemicals used in processing synthetic drugs, capable of producing about 150 kilogrammes (kg) of such drugs, believed to have been sent to the location using land vehicles before being loaded onto boats. "No arrests were made at the location as we believe the smugglers abandoned the materials after realising authorities were conducting patrols,' he said in a media conference about the seizure at the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan MMEA Office in Kuala Sungai Baru today. Mohd Zawawi also said that preliminary tests indicated that the chemical mixtures also contained methamphetamine, ecstasy and nicotine, and that it could be used for electronic cigarettes. "The seizure provides a clear indication that there are attempts by neighbouring countries to produce or process synthetic drugs in Malaysia, as previous seizures were of processed drugs,' he said, adding that the precursors have been sent to a laboratory for further testing. The case is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952, he added. --BERNAMA
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Malay Mail
MMEA foils attempt to smuggle RM15m worth of synthetic drug precursors from Melaka shore
ALOR GAJAH, May 5 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled a chemical smuggling attempt and seized drug precursors worth RM15 million in Melaka on May 1. MMEA acting deputy director-general (operations) Rear Admiral (M) Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the seizure, which is the largest recorded this year, was also the first involving precursors smuggled out of Melaka for sale in a neighbouring country. Investigations and intelligence gathering led to the discovery of 15 boxes wrapped in black plastic stacked on rocks along the shore of Pengkalan Balak, near the Sailing Training Centre here, he added. 'Inspections conducted at 9.40 pm found 179 one-litre bottles filled with chemicals used in processing synthetic drugs, capable of producing about 150 kilogrammes (kg) of such drugs, believed to have been sent to the location using land vehicles before being loaded onto boats. 'No arrests were made at the location as we believe the smugglers abandoned the materials after realising authorities were conducting patrols,' he said in a media conference about the seizure at the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan MMEA Office in Kuala Sungai Baru today. Mohd Zawawi also said that preliminary tests indicated that the chemical mixtures also contained methamphetamine, ecstasy and nicotine, and that it could be used for electronic cigarettes. 'The seizure provides a clear indication that there are attempts by neighbouring countries to produce or process synthetic drugs in Malaysia, as previous seizures were of processed drugs,' he said, adding that the precursors have been sent to a laboratory for further testing. The case is being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952, he added. — Bernama
