KUCHING: A sweeping series of anti-smuggling operations by the General Operations Force (GOF) has uncovered RM32.23 million worth of contraband in just 20 days, exposing the scale of illicit activities across Sarawak.
The 27 successful raids, carried out from April 1 to 20 under multiple operations, struck targets in Kuching, Bintulu, Sibu, Sri Aman and Miri.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander, SAC Lim Bak Phai said ‘Ops Taring Chiller’ alone accounted for the biggest blow, with seizures amounting to RM21.3 million.
This was followed by ‘Ops Taring Bravo’ (RM7.36 million), ‘Ops Taring Libas’ (RM4.57 million), ‘Ops Taring Batas/Awas’ (RM3.29 million), ‘Ops Hazard 3.0’ (RM1.83 million) and ‘Ops Taring Mitra’ (RM60,951).
“Enforcement teams zeroed in on diesel misappropriation and controlled goods smuggling, while also dismantling illegal supply chains involving frozen food.
“One of the most significant busts involved the seizure of more than 300,000kg of frozen products – including chicken, pork, meat, fish and other seafood – with an estimated value of RM15.8 million.
“The team also seized cold storage facilities, machinery and processing equipment believed to support large-scale illegal distribution,” he said.
Lim stated that the brigade’s involvement in ‘Ops Tiris 4.0’ further tightened the net on syndicates exploiting controlled goods, particularly diesel.
As of April 21, a total of 264 inspections under the operations led to the detection of 31 cases, with seizures worth about RM13.5 million and 45 individuals taken into custody.
He shared that the operations also dealt a blow to a wide spectrum of crimes, including the smuggling of beers, cigarettes and controlled goods, illegal ketum water processing, unlawful e-waste activities and unlicensed logging.
All detainees and seized items have been handed over to relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) for further investigation.
Since January 1, a total of 243 cases has been recorded under ‘Ops Taring’ operations, resulting in seizures amounting to RM156.63 million and the arrest of 228 individuals.
