BAU: The General Operations Force (GOF) arrested a local man for allegedly possessing and transporting contraband cigarettes worth RM1.77 million on Wednesday.
GOF Sarawak Brigade Commander, SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang, said that the operation, codenamed ‘Ops Taring Alpha’, was carried out by the brigade’s intelligence branch at around 3.00 pm.
He added that the raid targeted a building in the town here that was suspected of being a storage hub for various smuggled cigarettes.
“Inspections uncovered a total of 3,400 cartons of assorted cigarettes, hidden inside the premises.
“Also seized was a van, bringing the total value of the confiscated items to RM1,770,000, based on market prices.
“A 58-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the contraband,” he said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(D) of the Customs Act 1967.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation on April 21, a GOF 11th Battalion patrol team intercepted a lorry at an illegal route near the Malaysia-Indonesia border here, believed to be used for smuggling controlled goods.
Che Ghazali stated that the 9.30 am interception led to the arrest of a 51-year-old man and the seizure of 400 sacks of shallots from the lorry’s cargo.
“The total seizure value of the goods and vehicle amounted to RM360,500, based on market prices.
“The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he said.
All suspects and seized items from both cases have been handed over to the Bau District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action.
