Bid to smuggle 60,000 litres of petrol foiled

LAHAD DATU: Security forces foiled a bid to smuggle 60,000 litres of petrol worth RM624,000 to the Philippines with the arrest of six men near Kampung Bakarat beach on Monday.

Joint Task Force 2 commander Brig-Jen Abdul Karim Ahmad said the arrest of five locals and a Filipino, aged between 23 and 54, was made after eight military personnel and two policemen who were on the routine patrol as part of Op Pasir Sektor Delta spotted three oil tankers at 11.30am.

“All of these lorries were stuck on a muddy road in an oil palm plantation near Kampung Pantai Bakarat and this raised our suspicions. The personnel on duty also noticed the presence of a barge anchored not far from the location.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspects, who failed to produce documents granting them permission to carry controlled goods from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

“The total seizure is worth RM1.15 million, involving 60,000 litres of petrol worth RM624,000, three oil tankers worth RM400,000 and a Toyota Hilux worth RM128,000,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Abdul Karim said an investigation carried out by the Eastern Sabah Security Command Operations Centre found that there was no refill scheduled at Pos Merabung, leading them to suspect the tankers were attempting to smuggle petrol onto a barge on Lahad Datu beach.

“The Marine Police Force was then deployed to the location but the barge had already fled,” he said, adding that the case would be investigated under the Supply Act 1961.

Meanwhile, he said, the ongoing integrated Op Pasir and Op Benteng operations under the Joint Task Force 2 will ensure the safety of Sabah’s east coast waters.

He added that the task force is always increasing its preparedness and operational capabilities.

It will not allow any encroachments or smuggling activities or threats to the country’s security and sovereignty. – Bernama