MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here has successfully seized a substantial quantity of smuggled alcoholic beverages and cigarettes in Lawas waters.
According to Maritime Commander Mahkos Juing, deputy director of operations, Miri Maritime Zone, during the operation, which took place on Monday (March 3), maritime authorities confiscated 50 boxes of assorted alcoholic beverages, equivalent to 1,200 cans, and 80 cartons of cigarettes, amounting to 16,000 sticks of various brands.
The estimated value of the seized goods is approximately RM40,000.
The operation was conducted about 0.22 nautical miles (0.4km) from Tanjung Kuala Lawas, following intelligence reports from MMEA’s Miri Maritime Zone intelligence unit.
Acting on this information, the maritime patrol vessel Petir 80 was deployed to the location to carry out enforcement operations.
At approximately 12.10am, as Petir 80 entered Kuala Lawas, its crew detected suspicious activity about 0.1 nautical miles from their position.
Upon realising the presence of maritime authorities, a white four-wheel-drive vehicle was observed attempting to evade capture.
By 12.20am, the search team had reached the riverbank, around 0.22 nautical miles from Tanjung Kuala Lawas.
Upon inspection, officers discovered black packages suspected to contain smuggled cigarettes and alcohol.
The case is currently being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for attempted smuggling of untaxed goods into the country.
The seized items have been transported to the Miri Maritime Zone Complex for further investigation by the authorities.
Anyone with information regarding smuggling or maritime crimes is encouraged to contact the emergency hotline at 999 or reach out to the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-649111 or the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 / 082-432016.
