Crime & Courts

Two nabbed for possessing RM68,000 worth of cooking oil

KOTA BARU: A lorry driver and his attendant were detained for possessing 2,720kg of 1kg cooking oil polybags worth RM68,000 believed to be for smuggling into Thailand.

The two were arrested in a joint operation yesterday between the Kelantan Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Third Region Marine police.

State ministry enforcement chief Aswadi Jaafar said in a statement today that the operation codenamed Op Landai/Op Contraband was aimed at combatting leakage of the controlled item.

He said the team stopped the lorry about 3.20pm yesterday.

"The lorry was heading towards Peringat from Pauh Lima when it was stopped by the officers.

"Upon checking, the officers discovered 2,720kg of the subsidised 1kg cooking oil in polybags.

"They then detained the lorry driver and his attendant. The lorry valued about RM15,000, was also seized," he said.

Aswadi said they suspected that the cooking oil was to be smuggled into Thailand through an illegal jetty.

"Further investigations are being carried out to track down the original owner of the vehicle and the source of the controlled items," he added.

He said the ministry would not compromise with any individual or trader who violates the law and stern action would be taken against them for breaching the law.

Aswadi said the case was being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Control of Supplies Regulations 1974 for possessing controlled goods without a licence.

He added that integrated operations with border enforcement agencies would be carried out from time to time to curb smuggling activities especially involving controlled goods.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories