As many as 49 infiltrators of Asian origin were caught trying to illegally enter the country on Sunday, according to a report by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

A statement issued by the ROP, said, ‘The Coast Guard Police in North Batinah Governorate seized a boat carrying 49 infiltrators of Asian nationalities while they entered the country illegally. Legal procedures have been initiated against them.’

The ROP confirms its continued efforts in cooperation with the security and military authorities to reduce infiltration by intensifying maritime, air and land patrols, coordinating with neighbouring countries to exchange information, and raising awareness among the community about the dangers of operating or harbouring violators, and how to deal with them.

Meanwhile, the ROP also confirmed that the Muscat ROP Command was also able to seize a boat carrying five expatriates, including an infiltrator, on Sunday. The accused had tried to smuggle more than 35kg of crystal and a quantity of marijuana in connivance with an international gang.