KUCHING: Smuggling networks across Sarawak have suffered major setbacks this month after a series of coordinated operations by the General Operations Force (GOF) crippled multiple illegal activities and led to contraband seizures worth more than RM4.5 million.
The raids, carried out under ‘Ops Taring Alpha’ and ‘Ops Taring Bravo’, between Nov 11 and 23, saw several high-impact busts involving illegal diesel storage as well as untaxed cigarettes and beers.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the largest haul was made on Nov 22, when the GOF 12th Battalion raided a premises in Bintulu and detained a 63-year-old local man.
“It led to the seizure of 1,278 cartons of untaxed cigarettes and 3,429 litres of beers, as well as a van used for distribution. The total seizure amounted to RM1,510,834.80,” he said.
Another major success was recorded on Nov 20 in Engkilili, when the GOF 23rd Battalion intercepted a diesel smuggling attempt.
Officers seized 700 litres of subsidised diesel, four excavators, a pickup truck, fuel containers and a pump. The seizure, valued at RM1,324,349, led to the arrest of a 54-year-old local man.
Lim also said a coordinated operation on Nov 12 resulted in simultaneous raids across four premises statewide, leading to the arrest of six individuals, including a foreigner.
“It led to the confiscation of 16,700 litres of diesel, 516 cartons of cigarettes, 190.08 litres of beers, fuel machinery, hoses, a semi-tanker trailer and two lorries, worth RM1,011,608,” he said.
Several other operations conducted between Nov 14 and 23 also led to arrests and notable seizures across Kuching, Bau, Sematan, Serian and Padawan.
These included 340 litres of diesel, 3,946.98 litres of beers and hard liquor, 1,359 cartons of cigarettes – all of which are valued at RM714,938.80. A total of 13 locals and a foreign woman, aged between 22 and 56, were taken into custody for storing and selling the contrabands.
“All suspects and seized goods have been handed over to the respective district police headquarters, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living for further action.
“Investigations are being carried out under multiple laws including the Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967; Section 20(1) and Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961; and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said.
