KOTA KINABALU: Smugglers attempted to elude the authorities by using an abandoned factory in Sabah's east coast Semporna district to stash large amounts of cooking oil before trying to sneak the controlled items into a neighbouring country.
However, the police discovered the ruse following a tip-off and seized 100 boxes containing cooking oil in a raid at Jalan Pinggir Bakau on Monday (Sept 12).
ALSO READ: MMEA foils attempt to smuggle controlled items to neighbouring country in Kudat
Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said they also detained two local men aged 21 and 24 in the 10.30pm operation.
“Each of the boxes contained 17 packets of 1kg cooking oil,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 14).
“We believe the smugglers used the factory (to store) controlled goods meant to be smuggled into a neighbouring country.
ALSO READ: Authorities seize 250 boxes of cooking oil in Semporna
“We also seized a lorry. All the items were worth some RM49,250,” he added.
Supt Mohd Farhan said the suspects and seized items were handed over to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry for further action.
He urged the public to report any smuggling activity to the police or the ministry.
