MIRI: A local man in his 40s was jailed for a day and fined RM500 by the Magistrates’ Court here on Monday after pleading guilty to possessing duty-unpaid cigarettes and beer.
The offence came to light following an operation by the Marine Police Intelligence Unit Region 5, here, behind a row of shophouses in Tudan on May 29.
Police detained the man at about 5pm and inspected a motorvan linked to him, uncovering various brands of cigarettes and beer that did not bear valid Malaysian Customs duty markings.
He was subsequently charged under Section 37(1) of the Sarawak Minor Offences Ordinance and admitted to the offence when brought before the court.
Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the possession and sale of untaxed tobacco and alcohol products not only deprived the government of revenue but also contributed to wider smuggling activities.
He said police would continue to intensify enforcement efforts against the illegal trade and urged members of the public to report information on the storage, distribution or sale of contraband goods.
Information can be channelled to the nearest police station.
The police chief thanked the public for their continued cooperation, describing community support as crucial in helping authorities curb smuggling and uphold the law.
