TUMPAT: The Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry foiled an attempt to smuggle petrol to Thailand with the seizure of 1,950 litres from two modified cars yesterday.
However, there were no arrests as the two suspected smugglers managed to escape on foot.
State director Azman Ismail said tbe operation was conducted in Delima here.
"We conducted a special joint operation with the Pengkalan Kubor Third Region Marine police yesterday to prevent Malaysian controlled items from being smuggled across the border.
"The operation was carried out along the country's border with Thailand from Kota Baru to Tumpat.
"In the operation yesterday, we detected two motorists who frequently bought petrol from stations in Pasir Pekan area.
"They filled the petrol in the containers inside their modified cars," he said in a statement.
Azman said the enforcement teams managed to stop the two vehicles when they passed the Delima area about 11.30am.
"The two drivers, however, managed to escape. Further checks inside the cars found 1,950 litres of petrol worth nearly RM4,000," he added.
He said the petrol is believed to be for smuggling into Thailand via the many illegal jetties along the border.