GEORGE TOWN: An Indonesian barter trade ship allegedly smuggled in RM1 million worth of fertilizers and natural commodities was seized yesterday.
Six crew, including its skipper known as Hammady, 66, were on board the 30-meter long boat also rounded up by the marine police in an operation code named Op Gelora Siri about 3pm.
State marine police deputy commander Superintendent Dimin Awang said the ship had set sail from Aceh, Indonesia was docked at Weld Quay before the marine police officials embarked on the vessel.
“The barter trade boat, KLM Suria Indah II has entered into the waters through legal means but it has not declared the cargo on board to the authority.
“The goods seized comprising tens of thousands kilogrammes of fertilizers, coconuts, coffee beans, cooking oil, sugar and palm leaves have not been quarantined or inspected by the relevant department,” Dimin said in a press conference today at the state marine police headquarters in Batu Uban here.
Dimin said a marine police tugboat had escorted the errant barter trade ship back to the Batu Uban pier. He added the crew had violated section 11(1) of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2010 which is liable to fine up to RM60,000.
The case has been referred to Quarantine and Inspection Services Department. The six crew are under marine police custody and will be handled over to the department for further action. Media members were given a first hand look at the barter trade boat and goods seized at the marine police pier.
