Binjiang Police Affairs-Chapter 1230 - 80: Xiao Yu’s Discovery!_3

What really piqued Han Yu's interest was a shipping company's crew calling to report that recently, some ships were sneaking to the waters near Yingchuan Port and Shuzhou Port under the cover of darkness, sidling up to similarly suspicious inland river cargo ships. They suspected they were transferring oil clandestinely.

Moreover, the ships coming from the East Sea and the ones receiving them both turned off their navigation lights, not displaying any signal lights or markings through the night, which was very suspicious.

Jia Yongqiang looked at the call log and said in a low voice, "The colleague from the Yangtze River Water Bureau just called and said that during this time, the number of suspicious ships passing by their area at midnight has also increased; they suspect it's 'oil thieves'.

Han Yu rested his chin on his hand and said, "It's been several months since the last crackdown, and those guys are getting bold again."

"It may not necessarily be smuggling; it could be stealing from within or even illegal operations by three-no boats."

"The eel fry will migrate soon. When they start migrating en masse, and the various law enforcement units on the river carry out their joint operations as usual, these guys will vanish. Once the heat is off, they'll resurface again."

"What do we do now?"

"Arrange for surveillance, what else can we do."

Han Yu thought for a moment, then said, "It's best to assign a few people to the traffic control centers of the maritime departments on both coasts, focusing on monitoring ships that enter reporting points but fail to report their navigation status."

Jia Yongqiang chuckled, "Sounds good, especially since you have enough staff."

Han Yu smiled slightly, contemplating how to arrange for the staff to go on surveillance along the river when Xiao Yu suddenly called.

"Salted Fish, didn't you ask us to keep an eye out for smuggling clues? I've helped you seize a small boat burning 'Red Oil'."

"A small boat burning 'Red Oil'?"

"Why would I lie? I've temporarily seized the crew and owner for you. Do you want me to send them over, or will you arrange for someone to question them?"

The problem of smuggling 'Red Oil' is severe, but it's mainly concentrated along the East Guang Coast and rarely near Binjiang. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Han Yu couldn't believe it and instinctively stood up, "I'll get Xiao Gong to go back and check it out right away."

Being able to help Salted Fish gave Xiao Yu a great sense of accomplishment. Proudly, he said, "The situation is not too complicated. Xiao Chen and I seized a Nanhe-registered couple's boat. Both are honest shipmen who transport building materials from the Jiangxin sand and gravel market in Tiansheng Port to Linghai and Dongqi. They only run short trips."

While Han Yu busily took notes, he asked, "Where did they fuel up with 'Red Oil'?"

"In the waters near Shuzhou Port."

Xiao Yu glanced back at the couple sitting in the police office and explained over the phone, "They didn't know the oil dealer before and never thought about using 'Red Oil'. It was recommended by a fellow countryman running a big ship, saying that 'Red Oil' is cheap and of good quality.

With a try-it-and-see mindset, they borrowed the port's phone to contact the oil dealer introduced by their fellow countryman. But theirs was a small boat, and it couldn't hold much oil. The dealer wasn't keen on selling such a small quantity. To save some money, they asked their fellow countryman running a big ship to help buy a ton of it."

Han Yu pressed, "Do they have contact information for this fellow countryman running the big ship?"

"Yes, I have the name, home address, and mobile number.

"Where is this fellow countryman running the big ship now?"

"I had them call just now. The big ship's owner said he's unloading in Hui'an and will be heading to the East Sea for the next trip, expected to pass through the Sanhe Waters this Saturday."

Xiao Yu chuckled and added, "The small boat's owner has a pager. I've arranged for him to meet up with the big ship's owner to offload some 'Red Oil' from the big ship when it passes through the Sanhe Waters."

Han Yu was pleased, "Xiao Yu, you've done well, taking care of everything. This way, I only need to assign a few people to the Sanhe Waters on Sunday to catch them red-handed."

"It's not a big deal."

"Thanks. I'll have Xiao Gong go back to take the couple's statement and then arrange for two people to board the couple's small boat. We won't disturb their business, but we have to ensure they don't tip anyone off."

"Alright, have Xiao Gong hurry up; I have plans after work."

"What plans do you have?"

"Croc's grandfather's birthday. I'm going to have dinner at the shipping company later."

"Is Uncle Lin's birthday today?"

"Yes, it's his big six-oh today. My parents took Croc early in the morning, and Manager Jiang, Captain Wang, and Captain Fan are all going for drinks this evening."

Little Crocodile's grandfather is an old neighbor at the shipping company. Han Yu quickly said, "Xiao Yu, remember to send my birthday wishes to Uncle Lin tonight, wishing him a long life like the South Mountain and happiness as vast as the East Sea!"

"Don't worry, I won't forget. If you have time, come along this evening."

"I'm a bit busy these days, can't make it."

"Okay, then you handle your stuff, and I'll wait for Xiao Gong."