TEHRAN – The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy apprehended a vessel transporting smuggled fuel in the Persian Gulf, announced Mojtaba Ghahramani, Chief Justice of Hormozgan province, on Friday.

"Following collaboration with the Parsian City judicial authorities, IRGC forces from the 4th Naval District identified and subsequently seized a ship carrying contraband fuel within the Persian Gulf," Ghahrami stated.

According to Ghahramani, upon apprehension by IRGC patrol boats, the vessel's captain attempted to set it ablaze. However, fire was extinguisged.   

"Four individuals were apprehended during the operation," Ghahramani continued, "A subsequent inspection revealed and confiscated over 30,000 liters of smuggled fuel onboard the vessel."

He elaborated that perpetrators engaged in organized fuel smuggling face not only fines and imprisonment, but also confiscation of assets derived from the criminal activity. 

Additionally, he emphasized that Article 20 of the Law on Combating Smuggling Goods mandates the seizure of vessels involved in smuggling for the benefit of the government.

He concluded by reiterating that the confiscated fuel was delivered to the Oil Products Distribution Company, following established legal procedures, stressing that the case is currently under judicial investigation. 

Furthermore, Ghahramani affirmed the resolute commitment of Hormozgan province's judiciary, in collaboration with law enforcement and armed forces, to combating organized fuel smuggling while prioritizing safety protocols.