LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) has successfully thwarted an illegal crude palm oil (CPO) smuggling operation in a coordinated raid across two locations here on Thursday.
ESSCOM Commander DCP Datuk Victor B. Sanjos said the raid at POIC Industrial Area and a private plantation along Old Segama Road, was conducted with support from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM).
Two lorries, oil pumping equipment, storage tools and 74 metric tons of CPO worth approximately RM300,000 were confiscated in the operation, he added.
Victor said the total seizure value amounted to RM476,000, adding that, two local men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were detained on suspicion of involvement in the smuggling operation.
“The suspects are being investigated under Regulation 5(1)(b) of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (Licensing) Regulations 2005, which governs the illegal transport and trade of controlled palm oil products,” Victor said.
This operation is part of ESSCOM’s “Ops SANGGAH” initiative, which strengthens cross-agency enforcement in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE) with key objectives to prevent smuggling of subsidized and controlled goods, disrupting illegal trade networks that harm the local economy and enhancing border security against transnational crime, he said.
Victor urges the public to report suspicious activities via ESSCOM Operations Hotline: 089-863181 or WhatsApp application: 011-63311072. – James Leong
