Malaysian GOF detains three Thai nationals smuggling petrol and diesel in modified vehicles near Thai border, seizing fuel and trucks worth over RM217,000.
KANGAR: The General Operations Force has detained three Thai men suspected of smuggling subsidised petrol and diesel into Thailand.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 45, were arrested during ‘Op Taring Bravo 1’ on Jalan Kangar-Padang Besar near the Padang Besar ICQS complex.
Northern Brigade Commander SAC Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said police inspected three suspicious pickup trucks at 9 am.
“As a result of the inspection, it was found that there was a quantity of liquid suspected to be petrol and diesel, in the modified tanks of each vehicle believed to be for smuggling petrol and diesel into Thailand,” he said.
The total seizure amounted to 410 litres of fuel, valued at RM2,015.70, and the three vehicles.
The total estimated value of the seizure, including the trucks, is RM217,015.70.
Balveer Singh said the drivers were believed to be actively involved in smuggling due to high demand in the neighbouring country.
“This (smuggling attempt) was due to the lower prices and the reduced stock of petrol and diesel in Thailand as a result of the ongoing global geopolitical crisis,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961.
The Perlis Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department also issued summonses to each driver for modifying their vehicles.
The operation was conducted by the GOF Northern Brigade’s Risk Branch in collaboration with other agencies.
