ESSCom foils three smuggling attempts, nabs 15 sea gypsies
LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) foiled three smuggling attempts and detained 15 Filipino sea gypsies during an operation conducted at Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) for the first quarter of 2019.
ESSCom commander DCP Datuk Hazani Ghazali in a statement yesterday said the first smuggling activity was busted during the Road Check Points (RCP) conducted at Kalabakan.
He said during the RCP, they seized 2,256 cartons of beer worth about RM146,640.
“During this period, we also foiled an attempt to smuggle controlled items without permits at Tawau Harbour and port with the seizure worth more than RM1 million, on January 27.
“Some 15 Filipino sea gypsies were also detained and foiled the smuggling of 10,000 litres of petrol in Semporna waters worth about RM19,500,” he said during the ESSCom monthly assembly at ESSCom headquarters yesterday.
According to Hazani, the success was made possible with the cooperation from all parties, including the Royal Malaysian police, Malaysian Armed Forces, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) which had always provide excellent service.
Hazani also thanked all the security components which always worked diligently in ensuring Sabah's east coast was free from any threats, including cross border crimes such as smuggling activity.
He added that ESSCom always appreciated the attention given, including from the federal and state governments, through working visits towards ESSCom.
This indicated their concern towards ESSCom, he said.
During the assembly, Hazani presented appreciation letters to 39 officers and members of ESSCom who had successfully contributed to the success of foiling smuggling attempts at Sabah's east coast.
The appreciation, he said, aimed to recognize their roles and the success of ESSCom's front-liners, who always ensured the security and peace of Sabah's east coast.
The recipients comprised 13 officers and members of Tawau marine police force, seven members of Lahad Datu general operations force, 18 members from Markas Angkatan Tugas Bersama RAMD and one from the Lahad Datu police headquarters.