LAHAD DATU – A coordinated strike by the Sabah Region 4 Marine Police Force (PPM) successfully foiled smuggling activities worth more than RM326,000 in Lahad Datu, Semporna and Menumbok, leaving four smugglers simultaneously arrested in separate raids.
The special operation, which began at 6.05 pm yesterday, saw swift action by PPM teams who targeted multiple areas believed to be hotspots for smuggling syndicates.
In Lahad Datu, a local man was apprehended in the Tungku area while driving a four-wheel drive Toyota Hilux. The vehicle was found loaded with six drums of subsidised diesel fuel. Authorities believe the fuel was intended to be distributed illegally for profit.
Meanwhile in Semporna, enforcement officers arrested a foreign man in the waters of Gelam-Gelam as he attempted to smuggle 104 jerrycans of petrol across the border to a neighbouring country.
A second raid in Semporna waters uncovered a pumpboat loaded with 42,000 sticks of cigarettes of various brands, believed to be bound for the black market.
At the same time, in Menumbok, a local man was detained for transporting 100 cartons of duty-free liquor in his vehicle, suspected to be smuggled for resale.
PPM Region 4 Commander, ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim, confirmed the total value of goods seized was RM326,664.50. The cases are now being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961 and the Customs Act 1967.
He added that public cooperation plays a vital role in helping enforcement agencies tackle smuggling activities.
“PPM Region 4 Sabah always welcomes information and cooperation from the local community to channel any illegal activities. We are fully committed to combating smuggling crimes for the security and well-being of the country,” he said in a statement today.
This series of arrests and seizures further underscores the determination of authorities to tighten border security and cut off illegal trade routes that harm the nation’s economy.