Semporna police seize 255 packets of cooking oil to be smuggled into neighbouring country

KOTA KINABALU: Authorities in Semporna seized 255 packets of cooking oil intended to be smuggled into a neighbouring country on Saturday (July 9) morning.

Also seized was a pump boat, two pump boat engines, RM30,000 cash and 2,000 Philippine pesos, bringing the total value of the confiscated goods to RM45,000.

Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said personnel from the Narcotics Crimes Investigation division and Pulau Bum Bum police station task force made the discovery in the waters off Pulau Omadal at around 1am.

“The team noticed two suspects, suspected to be involved in drug smuggling into a neighbouring country, loading packages into a pump boat.

“When the team approached, both suspects tried to flee by jumping into the sea, but they were caught.

The 255 packets of cooking oil in plastic bags and gunny sacks which were confiscated by Semporna police on Saturday.The 255 packets of cooking oil in plastic bags and gunny sacks which were confiscated by Semporna police on Saturday.

“Inspection on the vessel found the 255 packets of USB brand cooking oil in plastic bags and gunny sacks, and a bag containing the money,” he said.

Initial urine tests also found both suspects to be positive for drugs.

The boat and cooking oil seized have been handed over to the Semporna Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry office for further action, and the case is being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Control of Supplies Act 1961, Mohd Farhan added.

“We thank the public for providing information on drug trafficking activities and smuggling of subsidised cooking oil, and remind them that they can continue to assist by informing the nearest police station,” he added.