The AFM have seized a fishing boat on suspicion that it was carrying contraband fuel.

The operation took place yesterday afternoon and was announced today.

The AFM said its rapid deployment team boarded and searched the Maltese registered Dimitra which was crewed by four Egyptians.

The soldiers noticed that the vessel was carrying an excessive amount of fuel on board, stored in hazardous conditions. The police as well as other local authorities were duly informed.

The AFM escorted the vessel to Malta for further investigation.

A similar operation took place last month when another fishing boat also crewed by Egyptians was seized. The Libyan authorities have also twice intercepted vessels attempting to ferry contraband fuel to Malta.

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