Lawas: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized a boat suspected of being used for smuggling cigarettes and liquor during an enforcement operation in the waters of Kuala Lawas, Lawas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Miri Maritime Zone director, Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, stated that the seizure took place at approximately 1.40 am on January 22, following a routine patrol. An inspection of the boat, which had no crew onboard and lacked a registration number, revealed it was loaded with contraband comprising 100 cartons of liquor and 475 cartons of white cigarettes, all believed to be untaxed.

The seized goods are estimated to be worth nearly RM250,000 and have been transported to the Miri Maritime Zone Complex for further action, as confirmed by Captain Mohd Khairol in a statement released today.