KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) has dealt a major blow to smuggling syndicates after recording a RM15.6 million haul in contraband and illegal items across Sarawak.
The success followed a highly effective two-week integrated operation, codenamed ‘Ops Taring Alpha’, ‘Ops Taring Bravo’, and ‘Ops Taring Batas/Awas’, which saw 27 successful raids conducted between Sept 27 and Oct 13.
Led by the Intelligence and Infantry branches of the GOF’s 10th, 11th, 12th and 23rd Battalions, the operations focused on dismantling networks involved in smuggling cigarettes, liquor, controlled goods, frozen products, sawn logs, and distributing counterfeit money in border areas and major cities.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the success reflects the personnel’s strong commitment and tactical capability in tackling sophisticated smuggling activities.
“The scope of the seizures, which includes everything from illegal logs and frozen meat to counterfeit currency, proves that we remain vigilant in safeguarding our borders and protecting the state’s economy from these criminal elements.
“The operations also resulted in the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of various vehicles used to facilitate the illicit activities,” he said.
Lim stated that all seizures and arrests have been handed over to the relevant enforcement agencies for further action under the respective laws – Customs Act 1967, Control of Supplies Act 1961, Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, Immigration Act 1959/63, Forest Ordinance 2015, Control of Paddy and Rice Act 1994, and the Penal Code.
Since the launch of ‘Ops Taring’ on Jan 1, the Sarawak GOF Brigade have recorded a staggering seizure value of RM377.7 million across 484 cases.
To date, 575 individuals (446 locals and 129 foreigners) have been arrested, and 306 vehicles of various types have been confiscated.
