Smugglers used courier and unregistered boats in two drug busts worth RM121,000
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Johor has thwarted two separate drug smuggling attempts, seizing 3.8kg of cannabis worth over RM121,000. The operations uncovered illegal courier and sea-based smuggling methods targeting coastal areas in Pontian and Batu Pahat.
Major Drug Busts in Pontian and Batu Pahat
In a major crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking, Johor Customs officers intercepted two unrelated drug smuggling attempts involving cannabis parcels and a boat operation. The seizures took place in May and June, with total confiscated drugs weighing 3.825kg and valued at RM121,000.
The first operation unfolded on May 21 in Pekan Nanas, Pontian, where the Narcotics Branch enforcement team inspected two Pos Laju parcels. The parcels contained 130g and 97g of compressed plant material suspected to be cannabis. Following the discovery, a raid was carried out at a related premise.
Cannabis, Bongs, and a Motorcycle Seized
During the premises raid, authorities uncovered:
- A black bag with 55g of suspected cannabis
- Three glass bongs used for cannabis consumption
- A grinder, likely used to process the drug
Additionally, a motorcycle valued at RM10,000 was seized. The total haul, including drugs and paraphernalia, was estimated at RM22,860. A man in his 40s believed to be linked to the parcels was detained. The case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries severe penalties including the death sentence.
Unregistered Boat Caught in Mangrove Swamp
The second bust occurred on June 5, when the Marine Unit from the Batu Pahat Enforcement Branch intercepted an unregistered boat during a night operation near a mangrove swamp by the Batu Pahat ferry terminal. Acting on intelligence surveillance, officers found three compressed packages disguised as Chinese tea, weighing 3.063kg.
The cannabis in this case was valued at RM98,016, and the seized boat was estimated to be worth RM4,000. This operation highlighted the growing trend of smugglers using isolated coastal areas and small boats to avoid detection.
Smugglers Use Courier and Coastal Loopholes
Johor Customs Director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi revealed that the two operations were not connected but pointed to increasing attempts by syndicates to exploit both courier services and unregistered marine routes. He warned that these tactics pose serious threats to national security and public wellbeing.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi is to use unregistered boats and back routes to avoid detection,” said Aminul Izmeer in a statement. He added that the department remains vigilant against such smuggling methods.
Public Help Critical in Fight Against Smuggling
The Customs Department called on the public to report smuggling activities via the toll-free hotline 1-800-88-8855, assuring that all informant identities will be kept confidential. Authorities stress that smuggling not only endangers communities but also results in significant tax revenue losses for the country.
The two major drug seizures in Johor underline the growing sophistication of smuggling syndicates using both postal and maritime routes. For Indonesia and Singapore—two nations intricately linked by geography and trade—the busts highlight the urgent need for stronger regional intelligence cooperation and community engagement to combat transnational drug trafficking.
Sources: Bernama (2025) , New Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Cannabis Seizure, Johor Drug Bust, Courier Smuggling, Marine Unit Raid, Drug Syndicate, Customs Enforcement
