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SEMPORNA: The General Operations Force (GOF) detained two individuals and seized petrol as well as beauty products at two separate locations, here, on Tuesday.

The items worth RM177,000 were seized in the “Ops Bersepadu Intra/Inter Agensi - Op Taring Dosej” conducted by the Intelligence Unit/Task Force of Kunak 22nd Battalion, with the Crime Investigation Division of Semporna Police Headquarters, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Sabah Harbour and Port Department, as well as the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

Sabah GOF Commander Datuk Abdul Rani Alias said the first seizure involving the petrol was made following a raid on an unnumbered premises in Kampung Mesra.

“An inspection on the premises found some large barrels containing petrol. The team also discovered a wooden boat behind the premises which was loaded with petrol and suspected to be smuggled out to a neighbouring country.

“The team detained a foreign suspect who admitted to  involvement in petrol smuggling activities since 2023,” he said, adding the seizures were worth RM52,000.

Abdul Rani said the case has been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living for further investigation under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

In the second raid, a woman was apprehended and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) seized.

Abdul Rani said an inspection of the 4WD found 11 boxes containing various beauty products without taxes and approval from the Malaysian Health Ministry (KKM).

The seizures, including the 4WD, were worth RM125,000 and together with the suspect were handed over to the Customs Department for further action.

“The suspect admitted that the items were smuggled in from a neighbouring country and she has been involved in this activity since 2024,” he said.

Abdul Rani said the operation showed the effectiveness of cooperation between agencies in efforts to curb smuggling activities.

He added that the GOF will continue to intensify intelligence and operations to maintain national security and sovereignty.