MMEA seizes RM1 mil worth of ketum bound for Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR – An attempt by two suspects to smuggle five tonnes of ketum leaves into Thailand was foiled by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in an operation conducted early yesterday morning off the coast of Kuala Kedah.

Kedah and Perlis MMEA director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the operation yielded 500 black plastic bags of ketum leaves from two separate locations, with the haul said to be worth around RM1 million.

“The operation was a success after investigations pointed to a plan to smuggle the ketum leaves by a large-scale syndicate off the coast of Kuala Kedah.

“The ketum leaves are believed to be headed to the neighbouring country through sea routes as the market price for ketum in Thailand has become more than RM180 per kg, compared to the local market which hovers around RM40 per kg,” Zawawi said in a statement today.

He said the seizure also yielded a fibreglass boat and its engine belonging to the suspects. The total value of all the items seized is said to be RM1.08 million.

“This case is the largest single seizure of ketum leaves conducted by MMEA to date,” Zawawi added.

Detailing the operations, Zawawi explained that the two suspects had initially attempted to flee from the authorities by speeding off in their boat during the 1.40am raid.

He said their boat was however intercepted by an MMEA vessel about two nautical miles from the nearest shore. At first, 200 bags of ketum weighing around two tonnes were found in the boat.

Following the arrest, Zawawi said MMEA officers were then led by the suspects to a second location, believed to be a makeshift unloading dock, about four nautical miles from the shore where the remaining 300 black bags of ketum were found.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952, for misuse of ketum leaves, covering activities that include importing, selling, and processing the leaves.

Ketum is a plant-based drug with therapeutic effects and it has also been used in the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness.

One of the most well-known advantages of ketum is its ability to alleviate pain that substitutes medications such as vicodin and oxycodone.

However, there is a high chance of addiction in consuming ketum by-products as they contain stimulants that have sedative and euphoria-triggering properties. – The Vibes, January 5, 2022