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SEMPORNA – The Armed Forces Joint Task Force 2 (ATB 2) successfully foiled an attempt by a cargo ship to smuggle over RM150,000 worth of diesel to the Philippines, near here, yesterday.
ATB2 Commander Brigadier General Abdul Karim Ahmad in a statement today, said that the team had also arrested five local men aged between 31 and 54 who were found on the cargo ship.
The ship was first detected through the Radar Coastal Surveillance System near Danawan Island, moving from Semporna to Bohayan Island, southwest of the Philippines about 2.10pm yesterday.
“After detecting the cargo, the Joint Region Operation Centre based in ATB 2 base in Tawau then sent a team to intercept the cargo at 2.30pm,” Abdul Karim said.
He said the 70,000l of diesel believed to be on its way to the Philippines was discovered. The cargo ship was seized, and its crew detained for possible violation of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
All the confiscated items including the cargo ship amounting to RM650,500 have been handed over to the Maritime Enforcement Agency, while the suspects have been sent to the Semporna police headquarters.
Karim congratulated the personnel involved in the arrest for their success, and reminded ATB 2 personnel to remain credible and have a high level of readiness through “precision info, precision targeting and precision maneuver”.
“This success shows that the radar system in ATB 2 plays an important role in detecting threats coming through the border in Sabah’s east coast waters; ensuring that the border is strictly monitored.
“Through continuous Op Pasir and Joint Op Benteng operations under ATB2, I guarantee the safety of the waters in Sabah east coast is at its best,” he added. –The Vibes, March 6, 2022
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