KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) here seized over RM28 million worth of contraband cigarettes and beers in a series of raids across the state early this month.
A total of 13 operations, codenamed ‘Ops Taring Alpha’ were carried out between Sept 1 and Sept 12 with the involvement of GOF Bukit Aman, GOF Sarawak Intelligence Branch, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 23rd Battalions.
Sarawak GOF Brigade commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the two-week operation targeted 24 premises in Sibu, Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Kanowit, Limbang, Lubok Antu, and Bintulu.
“Throughout the operation, 20 suspects aged between 18 and 78 — including both locals and foreigners — were arrested.
“Items seized comprised 70,031 cartons of contraband cigarettes, 37,919.73 litres of beers, nine vehicles, a container with a semi-trailer chassis, and three phones – all of which are valued at RM28,641,930.09,” he said in a statement.
Among the biggest haul was in Kuching on Sept 10, where GOF Bukit Aman and 11th Battalion confiscated 45,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes worth over RM18,057,600 from a single premises.
Meanwhile in Bintulu on Sept 12, GOF 12th Battalion seized 13,320 cartons of cigarettes and 5,370.72 litres of beers valued at RM4,624,375.20, along with a container and semi-trailer.
Lim stated that the suspects and seizures have been handed over to the respective district police headquarters for further investigation.
All of the cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, with several cases also probed under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Local Government Ordinance 1961.
