LUNDU: Smugglers have resorted to using backroads and illicit tactics like hidden ‘rat lanes’ to sneak in their products through the borders.
The synergy between clandestine techniques and creativity produced a new way whereby smugglers would use heavy vehicles to transport large quantities of illegal goods through main roads at oil palm estates located near the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
The incident happened around 9pm last night, where a group of soldiers from the 11th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) detected three lorries entering the plantation at Kendaie.
Puzzled by the lorries’ presence, the RAMD, led by Major Noor Azmeer Mat Sani, stopped the lorries on the way to Indonesian territory, roughly within 500 meters from the border.
A spokesman from the 3rd Brigade Infantry, Malaysian Armed Forces, said the soldiers observed for three hours before detaining the lorries.
After an inspection, it was discovered that the lorries were involved in transferring frozen fish in 1,200 boxes.
“The dory and tilapia frozen fish are estimated at RM296,000,” he said in a statement today.
Seven men, aged between 20 and 50 years old, including four Malaysians and three Indonesians, were detained to assist in investigation.
“The suspects and illegal products were surrendered to Lundu district police headquarters for action,” he said.