- Iran Seizes Tanker Carrying 6 Million Litres of Smuggled Fuel.
- Foreign Crew Held as Iran Steps Up Anti-Smuggling Drive.
- Gulf of Oman Interception Highlights Iran Fuel Smuggling Crackdown.
Iranian authorities have detained 18 crew members from a foreign tanker that was seized in the Gulf of Oman on Friday. They claim the vessel was carrying a staggering 6 million litres of smuggled fuel, according to reports from Iranian media on Saturday, which cited the judiciary in Hormozgan province, reports Reuters.
Captain Among Those Held
Among those taken into custody is the captain of the tanker, as officials continue to investigate the details surrounding the interception.
Multinational Crew Identified
The semi-official news agency Fars has reported that the detained crew members hail from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, highlighting the diverse makeup of the ship’s personnel.
Alleged Violations Cited
Authorities said the tanker committed multiple violations, including “ignoring stop orders, attempting to flee, (and) lacking navigation and cargo documentation,” according to Iranian media.
Broader Smuggling Crackdown
Iran, known for having some of the lowest fuel prices in the world due to heavy subsidies and a struggling national currency, has been actively fighting against widespread fuel smuggling, both over land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states.
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Source: Reuters
