LAHAD DATU: The Sabah Marine Police Force has demonstrated its heightened operational readiness by foiling five smuggling attempts in a series of coordinated raids across three districts within a 48-hour window.
The successful operations, which took place in Semporna, Menumbok, and here in Lahad Datu, led to the seizure of contraband worth an estimated RM578,739.75, including large quantities of petrol, cigarettes, and alcohol.
According to State Marine Police Commander ACP Nazri Ibrahim, the first breakthrough occurred on the evening of September 23. The Marine Police Strike Team (UNGERIN) uncovered a suspected illegal fuel storage facility in the water village of Kampung Batu, Semporna.
“The raid resulted in the seizure of 327 jerrycans filled with petrol from several structures. We also confiscated three boats believed to be used for transporting the fuel illegally to a neighbouring country,” Nazri stated.
The momentum continued on September 25, with two more successful interventions in Semporna. At around 6.05 pm, marine police intercepted a pump boat in Kampung Lumanggas, seizing 42,000 sticks of assorted contraband cigarettes. In a separate operation on the same day, patrols in Laut Gelam-Gelam waters confiscated 104 jerrycans of petrol and arrested a foreign national.
Simultaneously, operations extended to other districts. In Menumbok, a local man was detained after police confiscated 100 cartons of “Duty Not Paid” liquor and the vehicle used for transport. In Tungku, Lahad Datu, another local man was arrested, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle carrying six drums of diesel was impounded.
Nazri confirmed that all cases are being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and the Customs Act 1967. – James Leong
