BAU: An 18-year-old shop worker was arrested after police seized suspected untaxed cigarettes and alcoholic beverages worth an estimated RM92,000 during a raid on a premises here yesterday (Jul 30).
Bau police chief Supt Mohd Haide A. Rahman said the raid was carried out at about 10.15am under Op Taring Alpha 1 and 2 by personnel from the General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade Intelligence Branch.
“The suspect failed to produce any valid ownership or customs documents for the cigarettes and alcoholic beverages found during the inspection,” he said.
Mohd Haide said police seized 212 cartons of cigarettes and 99 cartons of assorted alcoholic beverages, all believed to be untaxed.
He added that preliminary investigations found the suspect had been working at the premises for about two months with a monthly salary of RM1,700.
“The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM92,000.
“The suspect claimed the goods were supplied by a local man in Kuching known only as ‘Paxi’, while his salary was paid in cash by another employee known as ‘Ah Nau’,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, while police will apply to remand the suspect under Section 116C of the same Act.
