MIRI: A local man has been jailed and fined after authorities discovered duty-unpaid cigarettes and alcoholic beverages worth more than RM359,000 in a vehicle he was driving.
The Magistrate’s Court today sentenced the man, who is in his 30s, to five days’ imprisonment and fined him RM500 after he pleaded guilty to possessing untaxed goods.
The case stemmed from an operation conducted by the Marine Police Intelligence Unit of Region 5 Miri in the early hours of June 14.
Police said officers intercepted the suspect at about 12.30am behind a commercial building along Jalan Bunga Raya 5 in Taman Bumiko.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various brands of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages that did not carry valid Malaysian Customs duty markings.
The total value of the seized goods was estimated at RM359,518.80.
Further investigations revealed that the registration number displayed on the vehicle was allegedly false, suggesting an attempt to conceal the identity of the vehicle used to transport the contraband.
In a statement, Miri District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee warned that the possession, storage and sale of duty-unpaid goods are serious offences and vowed that enforcement efforts against smuggling syndicates would continue.
He also called on the public to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities linked to the trafficking or sale of untaxed products.
