JOHOR BARU: The Region Two marine police arrested four suspected Indonesian pirates and recovered stolen boats, marine outboard engines and fishing equipment during a special operation in Benut, Pontian here yesterday.
The male suspects, in their 30s, were nabbed during the 3.30am operation in the waters off Benut.
Region Two marine police commander Assistant Commissioner Paul Khiu Khon Chiang said the suspects were seen docking and entering two fishing boats when police ambushed them.
"They tried to flee, but a patrol boat managed to cut-off the suspect's boat.
"All four suspects were detained, but one managed to escape by jumping into the sea," he said at the Region Two marine police headquarters here today.
Marine police operation is still ongoing in the coastal area of Benut to locate the escaped suspect.
Khiu said police also seized a variety of weapons and equipment from the suspects including metal cutters, machetes and also Molotov cocktails.
He said the suspects have been remanded for 14 days at the Pontian police station pending investigations.
