SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Marine Police Force (PPM) detained a boat suspected of carrying controlled items without valid permit in the Semawang waters, here, Saturday.
Sandakan PPM Commanding Officer DSP Rusdin Banin said the boat was noticed to be moving in a suspicious manner before it was stopped for inspection.
“When inspected, our personnel found that there were controlled items in the cargo area of the boat.
“The foreign skipper and three crew, aged between 21 and 27, verbally admitted that they wanted to send the goods to an island in the Philippines,” he said. All the confiscated goods, as well as the boat and engine, were taken to the Sandakan PPM Operations Base for further action.
“The value of the seizure, including the boat and engine, is estimated at RM84,280. The case is being investigated under the Control Supply Act 1961,” he said.
He also advised the community, especially the maritime and coastal community, to channel information to the Sabah PPM Region 4 via WhatsApp application to 0139391197 or directly contact any nearby station.