KOTA KINABALU: The marine police believe they have foiled an attempt to smuggle out some 5,500 litres of petrol from Sabah’s east coast Semporna district.
They found 220 jerrycans loaded with the fuel onboard eight unmanned speedboats during their operation codenamed “Ops Taring Gelora” at Tanjung Manimpa, Bum-Bum Island on Tuesday (April 4).
The police suspected the items were being transported to a neighbouring country under the cover of darkness.
According to a source, the marine police were earlier patrolling the area at 3am when they spotted the boats at sea with no one aboard.
A further inspection led to the discovery of the petrol on the boats.
“The police waited for an hour, monitoring the boats to see if anyone would come to get them but no one did,” the source said, adding the fuel, boats as well as the outboard engines were worth over RM150,000.
Region 4 Marine Police commanding officer Asst Comm Ahmad Ariffin confirmed the seizure when contacted on Wednesday (April 5).
He said the seized items have been brought to the Semporna marine police jetty for further probe under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
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