KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigade recorded significant success in its recent ‘Op Taring’ operations, seizing a total of RM3.7 million worth of contraband between October 27 and November 11
The operations, which included ‘Op Taring Alpha’, ‘Op Taring Bravo’ and ‘Op Taring Batas/Awas’, resulted in multiple arrests and the confiscation of cigarettes, liquor, frozen food, gas cylinders, firecrackers and vehicles.
During ‘Op Taring Alpha’ on October 27, police teams raided six premises in Kuching and Bau, detaining six suspects, both local and foreign nationals, for allegedly storing and selling untaxed cigarettes and liquor.
Authorities seized 417 cartons of cigarettes and 5,031 litres of liquor, valued at RM181,511.
In the same period, ‘Op Taring Batas/Awas’ led to the arrest of a 53-year-old man in Bau for attempting to smuggle 19,200 packets of frozen sausages using a truck, with total seizures valued at RM240,200.
On October 28, Sibu police teams detained two men for storing and selling untaxed cigarettes and liquor, seizing 2,374 cartons of cigarettes, 3,332.4 litres of liquor, and a vehicle, with a combined value of RM1.1 million.
Additionally, in Bau, a 54-year-old local was arrested for attempting to smuggle 214 gas cylinders, with seizures totaling RM159,582.
On October 31, police in Sri Aman detained three locals trying to smuggle rice and gas cylinders, seizing nine gas cylinders, 300 kg of rice, and two vehicles, valued at RM182,475.
A statewide operation on November 7 saw simultaneous raids at 18 locations, leading to the arrest of 18 suspects for untaxed cigarettes, liquor and firecrackers.
Authorities seized 3,374 cartons of cigarettes, 10,716.36 litres of liquor, 28 cartons of firecrackers, and three vehicles, valued at RM1.86 million.
Commander of GOF Briged Sarawak, SAC Lim Bak Phai, said the operations demonstrate its commitment to curbing illegal trade and protecting the community.
“We will continue to intensify enforcement to ensure compliance with the law,” he said.
Throughout 2025, Sarawak GOF recorded 535 cases, with 643 arrests (506 locals and 137 foreigners) and 327 vehicles seized, with total contraband valued at RM385.6 million.
