11-05-2025
RM13mil diesel smuggling ring busted in Sabah, 11 arrested
KOTA KINABALU: The Marine Police Force (PPM) seized two vessels and confiscated subsidised diesel worth a total of RM13.29 million yesterday.
Sabah PPM Region 4 Assistant Commissioner Nazri Ibrahim said both vessels were detected in the waters off this district.
He said the operation team also detained 11 local men aged between 20 and 50 who were on board the vessels.
"Both vessels were caught in the act of illegally transferring fuel, and as a result, the team managed to seize 78,500 litres of diesel," he said in a statement today.
He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), adding that they will continue to work with other agencies to combat the smuggling of controlled goods.
Since January, enforcement action has been taken in 80 cases across Region Four Sabah, leading to seizures worth over RM28.61 million and the arrest of 107 individuals.
"Inter-agency operations, especially with KPDN, have helped streamline intelligence gathering and arrests during every operation conducted.
"Operations have been focused on the districts of Kudat, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, and Tawau, which are located close to neighbouring countries."
Nazri also welcomed public tip-offs in the fight against crime and urged people to contact the operations room at 088-454820 or via the PPM Region 4 Sabah Facebook page.
