Fuel Smugglers Hide Tanks in Tyres

Police in Padang Besar have busted a syndicate that has been siphoning subsidised petrol and diesel by stashing an extra fuel tank inside a spare tyre. The clever modification lets the gang transport large volumes of fuel without raising suspicion at checkpoints. Assistant Commissioner Mohd Shokri Abdullah said the tactic has become more common since early last year, prompting officers to tighten vehicle inspections. The discovery underscores how organised crime adapts everyday items to evade law enforcement, turning a simple spare tyre into a covert fuel reservoir.

The finding alerts transport and customs officials to a new concealment method, urging tighter checks on spare tyres and vehicle modifications to protect revenue from subsidised fuel.

This case highlights the evolving ingenuity of fuel smuggling rings, showing that even mundane car parts can be weaponised. It signals a need for upgraded inspection protocols and inter‑agency cooperation to safeguard public subsidies and deter organised crime.