According to the MMEA, the operation took place on February 11 in waters off Pahang state, about 107 nautical miles northeast of Kuantan. Officers inspected the Thailand-flagged oil tanker Kamal Bangkok and discovered 76 sacks of methamphetamine that had been carefully concealed.
Shortly afterwards, another vessel, the Indonesia-registered cargo ship Sail Fish 09, was intercepted at the same location while allegedly involved in a mid-sea transaction.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the case involves an organised international crime network that used large commercial vessels as cover to evade detection. The group reportedly conducted ship-to-ship transfers at sea to distribute drugs to international markets.
A total of 18 suspects from Thailand and Indonesia were arrested along with the vessels.
Both ships and all seized evidence have been brought to Kemaman Port in Terengganu state for further investigation. If convicted, the suspects could face the maximum penalties under Malaysian law, including the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with caning.