The seized contraband items.
LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) nabbed 19 illegal immigrants and seized subsidized items during several operations carried out in Tawau, Semporna and Lahad Datu.
ESSCom commander DCP Wan Abd Bari Wan Abd Khalid in a statement yesterday said 16 illegal immigrants from Indonesia were detained by the Tawau Marine Police Force (MPF) at the Tawau jetty on Tuesday. On the same day, Semporna MPF also arrested three Filipinos at Kampung Selamat.
All the illegal immigrants were held for not having any documents and will be investigated under the Immigration Act 1959 (Amendment 2002).
“On Wednesday, ESSCom foiled an attempt by a foreigner and two locals to smuggle out 22 gallons of petrol and 32 gas cylinders in three separate operations in Tawau and Semporna.
“They were detained at Tanjung Batu in Tawau and Tampi-Tampi in Semporna while attempting to smuggle out the subsidized items to a neighbouring country on Wednesday,” he said.
Wan said the MPF also seized three boats and six outboard engines worth about RM93,142 used in the smuggling activities.
He said all the seized items were taken to Tawau and Semporna MPF bases before being handed to the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism for further investigation under the Control of Supply Act 1961.
Meanwhile, last Monday, the Lahad Datu Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 23 cartons of cigarettes from an unregistered boat at Sungai Giong, Lahad Datu.
The items will be handed to the Customs Department for further action under the Customs Act 1967.
Wan added that the success was the result of continuous efforts undertaken by ESSCom to ensure that security at the national waters was always under control.