KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized contraband goods worth an estimated RM10 million and detained eight local men during ‘Ops Taring Alpha’ and ‘Ops Taring Chiller’ carried out across Sibu, Betong and Bintulu on Friday (Jan 16).
Sarawak GOF Brigade commander, SAC Lim Bak Phai, said the intelligence-led operations targeted the storage and distribution of goods without valid documents or permits.
He said the seizures involved large quantities of frozen food products, as well as untaxed cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, vehicles and related equipment.
“In Sibu, a raid conducted by the Risk Branch of GOF Battalion 10 led to the arrest of six local men and the seizure of various frozen food products, with the total value estimated at more than RM3.5 million.
“In Betong, a team from the Risk Branch of GOF Battalion 23, Sri Aman, arrested a local man and seized various frozen food products, with the value of the seizure estimated at RM2.53 million.
“Meanwhile in Bintulu, ‘Ops Taring Alpha’ successfully dismantled an illegal storage operation involving untaxed cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, with the seizure of thousands of cartons of cigarettes, hundreds of cartons of liquor and several vehicles, valued at approximately RM4 million,” he said in a statement.
All suspects and seized items have been handed over to the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department and the Bintulu District Police Headquarters for further action and investigation under the relevant laws.
Lim said the successful operations reflected the continued enforcement efforts by the Sarawak GOF Brigade to curb smuggling activities, protect consumers and safeguard public safety.
