LAHAD DATU: Marine Police foiled four smuggling and misappropriation attempts during simultaneous special operations conducted on Thursday in Lahad Datu, Semporna and Menumbok.
Sabah Region Four Marine Police Force Commander, ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim, said in a Friday statement that the first suspect, a local man, was detained in Lahad Datu.
He was found in a 4WD vehicle at the Tungku area, suspected of attempting to misappropriate subsidised diesel. Upon inspection, six drums containing diesel were discovered in the vehicle.
Mohd Nazri added that the Marine Police also prevented a foreigner from smuggling petrol out of the country via the Gelam-Gelam waters in Semporna.
The suspect was arrested along with 104 jerry cans of petrol seized.
In a separate raid, officers seized 42,000 sticks of various brands of cigarettes in the waters near Kampung Lumanggas, Semporna.
A local man was detained in Menumbok on suspicion of smuggling liquors without paying tax. The arrest led to the seizure of 100 cartons of various liquor brands and a vehicle.
The total value of all seizures is estimated at RM326,664.50. Investigations are ongoing under the Control of Supply Act 1961 and Customs Act 1967, Mohd Nazri said.
He also urged the public to cooperate by reporting any illegal activities to assist in combating smuggling.
The Marine Police Force reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the country’s safety and well-being through continued enforcement.
