KOTA KINABALU – Smuggled cigarettes and liquor worth around RM4.2 million were seized in four raids in Beluran and Lahad Datu by the General Operations Force (GOF).
GOF personnel found cigarettes worth about RM3.2 million in a locked warehouse at Mile 3 1/2 of Jalan Segama in Lahad Datu, in an Op Kontraban raid around 10pm on Monday night.
Sabah GOF commander Mohd Abduh Ismail said the raid was carried out by personnel from Battalion 17 from Lahad Datu and Battalion 14 from Tawau.
“A 56-year-old Indonesia national was arrested during the raid. He is believed to have been hired to take care of the warehouse. Around 2.36 million white cigarette sticks and 1.7 million kretek cigarette sticks of various brands were found in the raid,” said Abduh, adding the items are worth RM3,207,952 in the local market.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967 and those found guilty could face fine up to RM100,000 and five years jail.
In Beluran, GOF personnel from Battalion 20 led by commanding officer Mohamed Rafiq Mustafa seized liquor and cigarettes of various brands worth around RM1 million in three separate raids around noon yesterday.
The first raid was carried out on a sundry shop in the Botition area, and two individuals aged 17 and 43 were arrested along with RM322,275 worth of contraband.
“The second raid was made on an unnumbered house in Kg Cenderamata in Telupid, where cigarettes and liquor worth around RM608,103 were found and seized. A 63-year-old man was staying in the house,” said Abduh.
The third raid was made on a locked storage house in Kg Pasai Baru in Bontition, where contraband worth around RM123,427 was found and seized.
Overall, he said, cigarettes and liquor of various brands worth around RM1.053 million were confiscated and handed to the Customs Department for further action. – The Vibes, July 14, 2021.
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