1.16 tonnes of ketamine seized from tanker in Malacca Strait

Malaysian authorities have seized approximately 1.16 tonnes of ketamine from a tanker operating in the Malacca Strait, marking a major narcotics interdiction in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The seizure followed an investigation that uncovered irregularities in the vessel's vessel monitoring systems, which displayed conflicting identification data. Investigators detected that the ship's automatic identification system (AIS) was transmitting two distinct vessel names: MT Global and Gross Dolphin. This discrepancy raised immediate red flags among authorities tasked with monitoring maritime traffic in the strategically critical waterway. The switching of vessel identities is a common tactic employed by traffickers to evade detection and obscure the true origin and destination of illegal cargo. The discovery underscores ongoing efforts by regional maritime authorities to combat drug smuggling through enhanced surveillance and cross-border cooperation. The case highlights the persistent challenge of illegal drug transit through Southeast Asian waters, where enforcement agencies continue to intensify monitoring of commercial shipping to intercept contraband.