Perak KPDN seizes 1,400 litres of diesel, a lorry and equipment worth RM35,110 in a raid on a late-night smuggling syndicate in Ipoh.
IPOH: The Perak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has foiled a diesel smuggling syndicate, seizing 1,400 litres of the controlled substance in a raid in Kampung Kepayang.
The raid was conducted at 9 pm yesterday following two weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the ministry’s enforcement team.
During the inspection, authorities discovered the diesel stored in a modified 2,000-litre auxiliary fuel tank fitted to a three-tonne lorry.
The total seizure, which included the lorry and two IBC tanks with pumps, is valued at an estimated RM35,110.
Director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail stated the syndicate operated actively late at night to avoid detection by authorities.
“The diesel is believed to have been obtained from several petrol stations in the nearby areas,” he said in a statement today.
He added that it involved lorry drivers who illegally sold excess fuel to the syndicate.
The fuel was transferred into the modified vehicle tank before being distributed to black market buyers.
Initial investigations found the syndicate purchased diesel at about RM1.50 per litre.
It was then sold to industries, particularly quarries around Simpang Pulai, for approximately RM2.00 per litre.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Individuals convicted face a fine not exceeding RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
For subsequent offences, the maximum penalty is a RM3 million fine or five years’ imprisonment.
Company offences carry a maximum fine of RM2 million, rising to RM5 million for repeat violations.
