TUMPAT: An attempt by two locals to smuggle 30 plastic containers of diesel worth nearly RM100,000 into Thailand proved futile when they were busted yesterday.
Acting Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhammad Zaki Harun said the duo were transporting the fuel in a lorry when they were nabbed in a joint operation involving the General Operations Force, Maritime police and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.
"The three agencies which were carrying out the joint operation in Kampung Rah Batang Merbau near Tanah Merah when they spotted the lorry passing the area at 1.15pm.
"Upon checking the lorry, they found the diesel in containers and later detained the two, aged 46 and 30," he said in a statement.
In a related development he said the joint team seized 30 plastic containers of diesel worth RM1,300 from a car on Wednesday.
"The team spotted a suspected car passing Wakaf Baru area about 3pm but the driver fled after seeing the officers.
"The officers gave chase. During the short chase, the suspect lost control, skidded and came to a stop in front of a house in Kampung Kulim.
"The suspect, however, evaded his pursuers by fleeing into nearby bushes leaving the diesel behind," he added.