SEMPORNA: Marine Police foiled an attempt by two boats to smuggle out 3,925 litres of petrol via Mataking waters on Saturday.
Sabah Region Four Marine Commander, ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim said two Filipino men aged 23 and 37 were detained with petrol in their possession in two separate operations.
Mohd Nazri said, in the first operation at about 9pm, the Marine spotted a speed boat in suspicious condition and apprehended it for inspection.
He said the team found 49 jerry cans containing petrol believed smuggled out to the neighbouring country.
“The boat skipper, a 37-year-old Filipino failed to produce documents to prove ownership of the items,” he said.
Mohd Nazri said the team detained another boat about half an hour later carrying 108 jerry cans (25 litres loaded with petrol believed to be smuggled out to the neighbouring country.
He said further inspection found that the 23-year-old Filipino boat skipper failed to produce ownership documents for the items.
Both suspects and the seizures estimated worth RM127,650.20 were taken to Semporna Marine base for further investigation under Section 21 of the Control of Supply Act 1961, he added.
He said Sabah Region Four Marine would remain committed to combating smuggling activities for national safety and well-being of the people.
