By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Oct 29: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized contraband cigarettes and alcohol worth more than RM500,000 including unpaid taxes in two separate operations yesterday.
The raids were carried at 10am at premises at Simpang Ngu and Sepupok in Batu Niah, as well as a house at Kampung Temangis in Lawas around 4pm.
The authorities seized 1,849 cartons of illicit cigarettes, 120 cases of beer and 63 bottles of alcoholic drinks in Batu Niah. The team also arrested an individual, aged 34, believed to be one of the premise worker.
In Lawas, about 1,000 cartons of illicit cigarettes worth RM193,000 and 20 cases of beer were confiscated.
“We sent a team to raid the premise in Simpang Ngu, Batu Niah, after setting up surveillance over a few days.
“The modus operandi of the syndicate involved renting the premises, private home to avoid detection by the authorities,” GOF 12th Battalion commanding officer Supt Tan Hiap Seng told reporters after the operations.
Based on the investigation, he revealed that the contraband items were smuggled from a neighbouring country.
The case is being investigates under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, for having undeclared items without approval from the Customs Department. — DayakDaily
