Authorities seize diesel worth over RM2 mln during raid in Miri

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Handout photo shows the oil tanker that was caught transferring subsidised diesel into a tugboat at Jalan Sungai Baong.

MIRI (March 24): The General Operations Force Battalion 12 and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Miri seized a total of 630,000 litres of diesel worth over RM2 million ringgit during a raid at Jalan Sungai Baong here yesterday.

In a statement issued last night, Miri police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said also seized were an oil tanker and tugboat, bringing the total seizure value to more than RM7.7 million.

He said two boat captains were also arrested.

“The raiding team ambushed an oil tanker which was transferring subsidised diesel, believed to be smuggled, from a tugboat.

“When questioned, both captains of the oil tanker and tugboat failed to produce any valid documents as proof of ownership of the diesel, hence they were both arrested for investigation,” said Alexson.

He said the team found 50,000 litres of diesel in the oil tanker worth RM159,000, while in the tugboat there were another 580,000 litres worth RM1,844,400.

“The seized oil tanker is estimated to be worth RM3,200,000, while the tugboat is RM2,500,000.

“The raiding team also seized one unit of liquid control meter worth RM5,000 and a steel wire hose worth RM1,000,” said Alexson.

He added that the suspects and items seized have been handed over to KPDNHEP Miri for further investigation.