Expose of Petrol Smuggling Syndicate in Malaysia-Thailand Border

PGA Raids Storage Facility, Seizes 5,700 Liters of Petrol

KOTA BHARU: The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (PGA) uncovered a mini fuel pump inside a storage facility believed to be linked to a syndicate smuggling petrol to Thailand, near Kampung Kubang Jong, in Pasir Mas last Saturday. The operation, codenamed Op Taring Delta 1, led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of a large quantity of petrol worth over RM11,700.

Fuel Seizure and Confiscation of Suspects

Southeast Brigade PGA commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan revealed that during the raid, the authorities caught two men, aged 30 and 34, filling petrol into fuel barrels. Further inspection of the storage area led to the discovery of a lorry containing three large containers of petrol, which belonged to a company licenced to buy auctioned petrol from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

“The fuel seized amounted to 5,700 litres, with an estimated value of over RM11,700. All confiscated items, along with the two suspects, have been taken to the Pasir Mas District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he said when contacted by reporters today.

Investigations Uncover Smuggling Ring

Commenting further, Nik Ros Azhan said investigations revealed that the auctioned fuel was being sold by the company to smugglers after it was transferred into barrels and smuggled across the border. The company failed to present any licence, receipt, or invoice related to the quantity of petrol they were permitted to store and sell during the raid.

Criminal Consequences for Smugglers

Kelantan KPDN director Azman Ismail warned that companies found to be involved in smuggling activities could have their licence revoked. Further investigations would be conducted and if found guilty, they could face fines of up to RM1 million.

Conclusion

The seizure of 5,700 liters of petrol worth over RM11,700 is a significant blow to the petrol smuggling syndicate. The authorities will continue to intensify their efforts to combat fuel smuggling and bring those responsible to justice. This operation serves as a reminder of the importance of strict enforcement and monitoring of businesses involved in the sale and transportation of petrol to prevent illegal activities.

FAQs

Q: What was the purpose of Operation Taring Delta 1?
A: The operation aimed to uncover and dismantle a petrol smuggling syndicate near the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Q: What was seized during the operation?
A: A mini fuel pump, two fuel barrels, and a lorry containing three large containers of petrol worth over RM11,700.

Q: Who was arrested during the operation?
A: Two men, aged 30 and 34, were arrested and taken into custody.

Q: What consequences can companies involved in smuggling activities face?
A: Companies found guilty of fuel smuggling can face fines of up to RM1 million and have their licence revoked.