KOTA KINABALU: A boatman suspected to be transporting contraband beer dived into the sea to evade arrest near Labuan early today.
Labuan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Nudin Jusoh said his men were patrolling the sea when they spotted the suspect at 1am.
As the MMEA vessel approached the boat, he said the man suddenly sped off towards land before jumping into the water and escaping, leaving the boat laden with crates of beer.
“A check later found that the suspect was transporting 1,680 cans on which duty had not been paid,” he said when contacted.
The beer, valued at RM40,000, was being sent to a dealer in mainland Sabah.