SANDAKAN – Maritime authorities here arrested six migrants after their attempt to smuggle in over RM4 million worth of cigarettes in a Malaysian registered fishing boat, near Tetabuan island.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sandakan director Maritime Captain Zainudin Mohd Zuki said one of the suspects also tested positive for Covid-19.
Zainuddin said the agency’s vessels were on patrol as part of Op Benteng when they stopped a local fishing boat for inspection some six nautical miles off Tanjung Casuarina, near Tetabuan Island at around 2pm.
“Some 398 boxes containing 19,900 cigarette cartons were found onboard. Six men including the skipper aged between 20 and 54 and believed to be Filipinos were arrested.
“The suspects also failed to produce a valid identification. The bot license also expired,” he added.
The estimated value for the smuggled items is around RM4.867 million, said Zainuddin, adding that the suspect that tested positive for Covid-19 has already been hospitalised, while the remaining five suspects have been sent to the lock-up and are being quarantined.
The case has now been referred to the relevant agencies for further action. – The Vibes, October 22, 2020
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