Oil on water: The pump boat with the cooking oil in plastic bags to be smuggled into a neighbouring country.
KOTA KINABALU: Authorities in Semporna seized 255 packets of cooking oil intended to be smuggled into a neighbouring country.Also seized was a pump boat, two pump boat engines and RM30,000 in cash along with 2,000 Philippine pesos (RM150), bringing the total value of confiscated goods to RM45,000.
According to Semporna district police chief Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, the discovery was made at Pulau Omadal waters around 1am last Saturday by personnel from the Narcotics Crimes Investigation Division and the Pulau Bum Bum police task force.
“Two people who were suspected of smuggling drugs into a neighbouring country were seen putting packages into a pump boat.
“When the team approached, both suspects tried to flee by jumping into the sea, but they were caught.
“Inspection of the vessel found the 255 packets of cooking oil in plastic bags and gunny sacks, and a bag containing the money,” he said.
Initial urine tests also found both suspects to be positive for drugs.
The seized boat and cooking oil were handed over to the Semporna branch of the Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry for further action, added Supt Mohd Farhan.
“We thank the public for providing information on drug trafficking activities and the smuggling of subsidised cooking oil.
“We wish to remind them that they can continue to assist by informing the nearest police station,” he said.
