Kuala lumpur: The Marine Police seized liquor and white cigarettes worth over RM3.53 million in two separate operations in Pasir Puteh and Pasir Mas recently. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Marine Police Region Three commander, ACP Mohd Khairuddin Jamal, reported a patrol boat raided a C2 class local fishing boat at Tok Penghulu, Sungai Semerak, Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh at 12.30 am on June 25. Meanwhile, another team pursued a one-tonne lorry and car being driven suspiciously at Salor, Pasir Mas on June 26.

In the first incident, inspections on the fishing vessel, which had an expired license and was not engaged in fishing activities, led to the discovery of 50 cartons of liquor, estimated at 396 liters. The total value of this seizure, including taxes, stands at approximately RM1,517,549.50. A foreign national in his 40s, who claimed to be the area caretaker, was apprehended due to the absence of legal travel documents.

In the second operation, marine police chased the suspicious vehicles for about 16 kilometers until they skidded to a halt at Ketereh, Kota Bharu. Although the suspects managed to evade capture, the vehicles were found to contain 976,800 white cigarettes suspected of being smuggled. The total value of these seizures, including both vehicles, is estimated at RM2,014,464. The incident is currently under investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.