Sandakan: The Region 4 Sabah Marine Police (PPM) made a significant breakthrough this week by seizing untaxed cigarettes and liquor valued at nearly RM5.37 million during three raids conducted in Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. These operations marked a crucial step in combating smuggling activities in the region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first raid took place at an unregistered jetty along the Seguntur River in Sandakan at approximately 1.30 am on September 15. This operation was part of a special joint effort with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), following extensive intelligence gathering. The raid led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man and the confiscation of 1.82 million sticks of cigarettes of various brands, estimated to be worth RM2.564 million. These cigarettes are believed to have been smuggled from a neighboring country.
Following the initial arrest and seizure, the raiding team discovered another speedboat concealed among mangrove trees along the Seguntur River. An inspection revealed an additional 1.73 million sticks of cigarettes, with an estimated value of RM2.326 million.
In a separate operation on September 14, Region 4 Sabah PPM targeted an unnumbered warehouse in Kampung Dambai, Jalan Tuaran Bypass. This raid resulted in the seizure of 43,200 cans of liquor suspected to be untaxed, valued at RM478,506.
The ongoing investigation falls under Sections 135(1)(d) and 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967. The recent operations highlight the collaboration between Region 4 Sabah PPM and MACC, which has led to 61 cases under the Customs Act 1967 between January and September 15 this year. These cases involved seizures worth RM8,386,812.61 and resulted in 40 arrests.
The authorities emphasized that the latest success underscores the importance of intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation in bolstering enforcement efforts. They reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations with a focus on information sharing and inter-agency collaboration to curb the smuggling and distribution of untaxed goods.