P1M worth of contaminated diesel seized in Navotas; 14 suspects arrested

Authorities seized 35,000 liters  of contaminated diesel worth P1 million in Navotas where 14 suspects were arrested, according to a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

An informant tipped the illegal activity to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Northern Police District (NPD), which conducted a surveillance operation.

After the illegal activity was confirmed, the authorities blocked two big boats from Bataan carrying the contaminated diesel with 14 people on board. The seized diesel can fill up two oil tankers, authorities said.

According to CIDG, the smuggled diesel came from bigger seacraft and will be sold in Metro Manila and nearby towns.

Authorities said that the diesel was contaminated and can have adverse effects on vehicles when used.

Meanwhile, follow-up operations are still ongoing to hunt what the authorities already considered as a criminal syndicate behind the smuggled diesel.

The 14 arrested suspects will face charges in violation of Republic Act 8479 or transporting crude oil without permit. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News