KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) has seized more than RM2.15 million worth of contraband cigarettes and beers in separate raids across Serian and Sibu last week.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the raids also resulted in the arrests of six local men, aged between 23 and 58.
The largest haul was recorded on July 16 during a raid by GOF 23rd Battalion’s intelligence branch at a premises in Serian, believed to be used for storing and selling untaxed cigarettes and liquor.
“In the 2.45pm raid, the team arrested two suspects, aged 23 and 35, after discovering 201,920 cigarette sticks of various brands and 6,019.2 litres of beer inside the premises.
“A lorry used in the operation was also confiscated. The total value of the seizure was estimated at RM766,806.40,” he said.
Both the suspects and seized items were handed over to Serian district police headquarters and Serian District Council for further investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, as well as Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Local Authorities Act 1961.
On the same day and same time, the GOF 10th Battalion conducted a similar operation in Sibu and raided a premises used to store untaxed cigarettes.
“The team seized 316,920 sticks of cigarettes and a Toyota Innova, all of which are valued at around RM739,424.
“Two suspects, aged 28 and 37, were arrested for further action,” he said.
Che Ghazali said the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 by the Sibu district police headquarters.
Two days later, on July 18 at about 5.05 pm, a patrol team from GOF 23rd Battalion uncovered a black plastic bundle in a remote area near Tebedu, believed to be a smuggling route.
“The bundle contained 295,600 sticks of untaxed cigarettes, which are valued at RM510,200,” he said, adding that the case was referred to Serian police under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Meanwhile, on July 14, a van carrying untaxed cigarettes was intercepted by the GOF 23rd Battalion in Serian.
“Two local men, aged 57 and 58, were arrested after the team found 2,800 sticks of cigarettes inside the vehicle,” he said.
Both the suspect and the seizures, valued at RM134,760, were handed to Serian police for further investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 and Section 23(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
