KUCHING: Four men were each fined RM500 or sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment by the Magistrates’ Court here for failing to provide sufficient evidence regarding the possession of 418,440 cigarettes of various brands at a premises four years ago.
The four men, identified as Usman Ramli (42), Tan Sie Hong (42), Yeo Ngang Tong (68), and Tan Siew Ping (44), pleaded guilty to an amended charge under Section 37(1) of the Sarawak Minor Offence Ordinance 1958, read in conjunction with Section 34 of the Penal Code, on Friday (Sept 1).
The charges indicated that they collectively committed the offence at a location in Jalan Arang around 7.45am on July 10, 2019. If convicted, they could face up to three months in prison and a RM500 fine.
As per the case details, a police officer, who was the complainant, discovered numerous boxes of cigarettes of various brands, suspected of violating the Customs Act 1967.
The four accused were subsequently detained for inspection, and the police also seized a lorry and a car.
Following the investigation, it was revealed that none of them could provide substantial evidence regarding the seized items, as examined by the police.
Prosecuting officer Inspector Mohd Adzmei Ahmad handled the case while the accused were represented by lawyers Gerald Empaling Donald, Steven Beti and Timothy Finlayson Joel.
