BEAUFORT: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) branch here identified a vehicle that was modified with additional tanks for diesel misappropriation activities.
Beaufort KPDN District Enforcement Chief Julie Julhani said such modification enabled offenders to store larger quantities of subsidised diesel beyond the vehicle’s original tank capacity, raising suspicion during refuelling activities.
She said the tactic was uncovered during a recent Ops Tiris 4.0 operation at a petrol station where a vehicle fitted with additional tank to carry a significant amount of diesel.
“The raid was carried out following intelligence and surveillance by enforcement officers, who detected suspicious activity while the vehicle was refuelling at the station.
“Inspection found that the vehicle had been modified with additional tanks believed to contain about 200 litres of diesel and we seized the vehicle, the diesel and several related documents to facilitate further investigations.
“The driver was detained briefly for questioning before being released on police bail. Enforcement action was also taken on the petrol pump nozzle involved, and two police reports have been lodged in connection with the case,” Julie said.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and action can be taken against both the driver and the petrol station operator.
She added that further investigations are ongoing, with an investigating officer to be appointed to complete the probe.
Julie said KPDN’s enforcement efforts in implementing Ops Tiris 4.0 would be intensified to curb such activities, warning that strict action would be taken against those found using modified vehicles for fuel misappropriation.
