KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade successfully seized smuggled items worth RM4.85 million during ‘Ops Taring Bravo’ in Bau district.
GOH Sarawak Brigade commander, SAC Lim Bak Phai, said an intelligence branch of the 11th Battalion GOH Kuching conducted a raid and inspection on a premise around Bau and apprehended five local men.
The suspects are aged between 23 to 52 years old and were allegedly involved in the storing and smuggling of various items without valid documents or permits.
“The inspection led to the seizure of 24,975 kilogrammes (kg) of red onions, 3,383 kg of cooking oil, 62,190 kg of rice, 125 boxes of various types of medicines, and 16,080 kg of frozen meat.
“Also seized were three lorries and three containers, bringing the total value of the seizure to an estimated RM4.85 million,” said Lim in a statement today.
The raid was carried out through joint operations with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and assisted by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), the Ministry of Health (KKM), the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Paddy and Rice Regulatory Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
K9 Unit from the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters was also involved to assist in inspections and to detect any possible drug smuggling activities at the premise.
Lim added that all arrests and seized items have been handed over to the relevant agencies for further action and investigation under the existing laws.
He advised the public to always comply with the laws and ensure that all valid documents and permits are obtained before carrying out any trading or transportation of goods.
