JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) arrested two brothers for allegedly attempting to smuggle various types of synthetic drugs worth RM6.95 million using a fibre boat during an operation in waters off Tanjung Piai, near Pontian, last Sunday.

Johor MMEA acting director Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil said the two suspects, local men aged between their 20s and 40s, were arrested at 12.36am after authorities intercepted their boat about 3.5 nautical miles from Tanjung Piai.

He said an inspection of the boat found 88.2 kilogrammes of drugs suspected to be syabu worth RM4.41 million, as well as more than 30,000 ecstasy pills worth RM2.25 million, hidden under the captain’s seat and a pile of nets.

“Further investigations led to the inspection of a yellow Perodua Myvi at a house in Gelang Patah, where 787 vape cartridges suspected of containing a new synthetic drug known as ‘Piu Piu’ worth RM196,750 were found.

“MMEA seized the car and the fibre boat with an outboard engine as material related to the case,” he said at a media conference at the Johor MMEA headquarters here today.

Kama Azri said the total value of the seizures, including the drugs, vehicle, boat and outboard engine, was estimated at RM6.95 million.

He said both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine abuse in an initial drug screening.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries either the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.