WANA (Dec 25) – The commander of the Special Police and Coast Guard of Kish Island, Nabiollah Ghasemi, announced the seizure of a fishing vessel and the discovery of more than 50,000 liters of smuggled fuel in the border waters around Kish.

 

Nabiollah Ghasemi said coast guard forces spotted the vessel during routine patrols and monitoring of the maritime border after it raised suspicions of fuel smuggling. Following the vessel’s interception and inspection, about 55,000 liters of smuggled diesel fuel were found onboard.

 

He added that the vessel’s origin and destination were not Kish Island, noting that the smugglers intended to transfer the fuel to the maritime borderline and sell it to foreign vessels after entering international waters, a plan foiled by the vigilance of coast guard personnel.

 

Ghasemi said four crew members of the seized vessel were arrested and referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings.

 

According to the Public Relations Office of the Special Police and Coast Guard of Kish, Ghasemi stressed that the illegal outflow of national resources causes irreparable damage, adding that continuous and effective patrols of the maritime borders will continue, alongside firm action against all forms of fuel and goods smuggling.