SEMPORNA: The Joint Task Force 2 (MK ATB 2) thwarted an attempt by six Filipino men to smuggle out 10,375 litres of petrol through the waters off Pulau Bum Bum near here on Saturday.
In the 8.50pm incident, the suspects, who were using two boats, were spotted behaving suspiciously by the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team from the 11th Special Forces Regiment before being detained for inspection.
MK ATB 2 Commander Brigadier General Wan Edenin Wan Mahsin said the initial checks on the two boats revealed that the six crew members, aged between 20 and 40, did not possess valid travel or identification documents.
"Further inspection found 10,375 litres of petrol stored in 415 plastic containers, each with a 25-litre capacity, as well as one unit of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder.
"All the controlled items are believed to have been intended for smuggling to be sold in a neighbouring country," he said in a statement issued late last night.
Wan Edenin added that the total value of the seized items, including the boats with four outboard engines, was estimated at RM79,268.75.
"All suspects and seized items were taken to the Jeti Kem Azumi before being handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Semporna for further action.
"The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961," he said.