KUCHING: RM18.34 million worth of goods were seized in February as the General Operations Force (GOF) intensified its Op Taring operations statewide.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said 13 cases were recorded during the month, contributing to a total of 95 arrests and RM76.78 million in seizures between Jan 1 and Feb 28.
The operations were carried out under Op Taring Chiller, Op Taring Batas/Awas and Op Taring Libas, targeting smuggling, illegal entry and unlawful logging activities.
“Under Op Taring Batas/Awas, six foreign nationals and one local man were detained in Serian, Sri Aman and Bau for entering the country without valid documents and for involvement in the smuggling of controlled goods and frozen products.
“Among the items seized were 3,200kg of red onions, 300kg of frozen products, cash, mobile phones and several vehicles,” he said in a statement.
Under Op Taring Chiller, 10 locals were arrested in Saratok, Miri, Sibu, Kota Samarahan and Limbang.
A total of 136,402.4kg of frozen products were confiscated, along with cold storage facilities, forklifts, processing machines and vehicles.
Meanwhile, two local men were detained in Selangau under Op Taring Libas for alleged illegal logging activities.
Officers also seized 26 logs and heavy machinery valued at more than RM2 million.
“The Sarawak GOF will continue strengthening enforcement efforts to curb smuggling and cross-border criminal activities,” Lim added.
