By Wendy John
SIBU: Sarawak Region 5 Marine Police (PPM) raided three smuggling dens and seized RM124,676 worth of contraband cigarettes and liquor.
Sarawak Region 5 PPM commander, Assistant Commissioner Shamsol Kassim revealed today that the joint operation was launched to curb the sale of cigarettes and liquor with unpaid taxes in Sibu, Sarikei and Miri.
“All three raids were conducted simultaneously, including at the UTC Sibu parking lot, and two other premises at Kaban Road, Sarikei and New Bazaar Cemetery, Niah in Miri.
“The raids were the result of a public complaint and intelligence information obtained on the sale of tax-exempt goods in all three locations,” he disclosed in a press statement
Police seized 21,800 sticks of cigarettes worth RM87,600 in Sibu, 28,400 sticks of cigarettes and 65 boxes of beer (RM20,940) in Sarikei and 6580 sticks of cigarettes , 60 boxes of beer and 52 bottles of liquor (whiskey) (RM16,136) in Batu Niah.
During the operation, PPM also arrested three men aged 57, 23 and 25.
“The three men have been arrested for failing to present any legal documents for the sale of confiscated goods,” Shamsol added.
All cases are being investigated under Section 135 (1) of the Customs Act 1967. — DayakDaily
