KUCHING: Sarawak’s General Operations Force (GOF) conducted four operations — Ops Taring Alpha 1 and 2, Ops Taring Bravo 1, and Ops Taring Charlie — seizing goods worth RM9.93 million on Feb 4.
GOF Sarawak Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the first raid targeted a premises in Bau, suspected of storing untaxed cigarettes.
“Officers detained three local men, aged 21 to 28, and found 10,500 cartons of white cigarettes and 3,060 cartons of kretek cigarettes. Two lorries were also seized.
“The total value of the seizure is RM5.7 million. The suspects and seized goods have been handed over to Bau police for further investigation under Section 135 (1)(D) of the Customs Act 1967,” he said in a statement today.
On the same day at 1.30 pm, a team from Battalion 12, PGA Miri raided a premises in Bintulu, suspected of storing untaxed cigarettes and alcohol.
“Officers detained a 40-year-old local man and found 1,198 cartons of white cigarettes, 2,348 cartons of kretek cigarettes, and 540.86 litres of various brands of alcohol.
“The total value of the seizure is RM2.92 million. The case has been handed over to Bintulu police under Section 135 (1)(D) of the Customs Act 1967,” he said.
In Sibu, Battalion 10, PGA Sibu raided a premises suspected of misusing subsidised diesel.
“Three local men and one Indonesian, aged 20 to 58, were detained. Officers found 15,600 litres of diesel and seized two lorries.
“The total value of the seizure is RM1.19 million. The case has been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sibu under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he added.
In Sri Aman, Battalion 23, PGA Sri Aman raided a premises in Simunjan suspected of storing illegal fireworks.
“A 33-year-old local man was detained, and officers found 1,202 units of various firecrackers and fireworks.
“The total value of the seizure is RM101,020. The case has been handed over to Simunjan police under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957,” he said.
Che Ghazali added that from Jan 1 to Feb 4, Ops Taring led to total seizures worth RM65.9 million.
“There were 33 cases, 68 arrests (including seven foreigners), and 23 seized vehicles,” he said.
