SIBU – Bintulu Region Five marine police (PPMW5) recorded almost RM5 million in seizures under Op Benteng and Op Kontraban yesterday.
Commander Shamsol Kassim said under Op Benteng, a cargo ship estimated to be worth RM4 million was confiscated, along with 929 logs of various sizes and species valued at RM185,800, and shipping equipment worth RM417,100.
In a statement last night, he said the ship’s six crew members – five of whom are locals – were detained.
“In Kuala Batang Kemena, a cargo ship on its way from Sri Aman to Bintulu was detained. Checks showed that it was carrying timber of various types and sizes.
“The skipper failed to provide documents related to the Customs Act 1967.”
He said the vessel was escorted to the PPMW5 operations headquarters, and the case has been handed over to the Customs Department for further action.
Under Op Kontraban, involving roadblocks mounted along Jalan Pesisir Bintulu-Kuala Tatau and in Kg Warisan, Jepak, personnel detained a van carrying various brands of liquor and cigarettes.
Shamsol said the driver, 38, failed to provide documents relating to the items, and that the vehicle was also taken to the PPMW5 operations headquarters.
“The case has been handed over to the district police headquarters.
“Besides the van, valued at RM50,000, 70,000 sticks of cigarettes estimated to be worth RM52,500 and 150 cartons of liquor worth RM24,757.92 were also seized.” – Bernama, June 19, 2021
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