Smuggling Syndicate Busted, Petrol and Grocery Items Seized
Lorry Intercepted at Roadblock
Two local men were detained yesterday during Ops Taring Wawasan, on suspicion of being involved in a syndicate smuggling grocery items worth RM178,000 from Thailand. The General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Ab Hamid, said the arrests were made after a lorry was intercepted at a roadblock in Chabang Empat Salam, Rantau Panjang, at around 2:30 pm.
Suspects Aged 44 and 52
According to him, the suspects, aged 44 and 52, were apprehended after officers discovered multiple boxes, believed to contain smuggled grocery items. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act. The GOF will continue to intensify efforts to curb smuggling activities at the nation’s borders.
Petrol Smuggling Detected
In a separate incident, the GOF also cracked down on the smuggling of petrol, which was detected in front of a school in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, yesterday. Nik Ros Azhan said that the seizure occurred at around 4 pm, when a car was found abandoned by the roadside. Upon inspection, authorities discovered petrol stored in a modified oil tank, with an estimated value of RM3,000, along with over 40 litres of additional petrol in the vehicle.
Believed Intended for Smuggling to Neighbouring Country
"The petrol is believed to have been intended for smuggling to a neighbouring country," he added. The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. The seized items were taken to Pengkalan Kubor Komtak, for further action.
Conclusion
The successful bust of the smuggling syndicate and the seizure of petrol and grocery items serves as a strong reminder of the GOF’s commitment to curbing smuggling activities at the nation’s borders. The authorities will continue to work tirelessly to identify and apprehend those involved in such illegal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the suspects arrested for?
A: The suspects were arrested for being involved in a syndicate smuggling grocery items worth RM178,000 from Thailand.
Q: Where were the lorry and car seized?
A: The lorry was seized at a roadblock in Chabang Empat Salam, Rantau Panjang, while the car was seized in front of a school in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat.
Q: How much petrol was seized?
A: Over 40 litres of petrol was seized, along with an estimated value of RM3,000 stored in a modified oil tank.
Q: What is the estimated value of the smuggled grocery items?
A: The estimated value of the smuggled grocery items is RM178,000.