KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) arrested four men and seized over RM10 million worth of untaxed cigarettes, beers and liquors in two separate operations.
Sarawak GOF Brigade deputy commander ACP Rosdi Inai said the operations, codenamed ‘Op Taring Alpha’ and ‘Op Taring Awas/Batas’, were carried out on Jun 10 and Jun 4 respectively.
Both targeted smuggling activities involving cigarettes, beers and liquors that had not gone through customs clearance.
On Jun 10, the GOF 23rd Battalion’s Intelligence branch intercepted two trailers transporting four containers in Sri Aman at 4.30 pm.
“During the operation, the team arrested two local men, aged 44 and 50, for further investigations.
“Thorough checks led to the discovery of 21,500 cartons of white cigarettes and 51,216 litres of beers in the containers. The seized items are estimated to be worth RM10,476,436.80, based on market value,” he said.
Both the suspects and the seized contraband have since been handed over to Sri Aman district police headquarters (IPD).
Meanwhile, on Jun 4, the GOF 10th Battalion stopped two motorcycles at around 8.15 pm in Lubok Antu, on suspicion of transporting contraband goods.
“The team detained two Indonesian men, aged 43 and 45, after discovering 399 cartons of various branded cigarettes and 24.48 litres of liquors.
“The seizures, valued at RM165,200.80, were handed over to the Lubok Antu IPD for further action,” he said.
The trailers, containers and motorcycles involved in both cases were also seized for further investigation.
Rosdi added that the cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
The second case is also being investigated under Section 5 (1) and Section 6 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
