Bukit aman: The Royal Malaysian Police have successfully seized goods believed to be smuggled, including cigarettes and alcohol, valued at over RM13 million. This was achieved during a two-day "Op Kontraban Mega" operation across 11 states.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Fisol Salleh, Deputy Director of Operations/Movement at the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department, revealed that 272 premises were inspected during the operation conducted last Tuesday and Wednesday. Out of these, 174 premises were discovered to have committed offences. The seized items included over 4.1 million sticks of cigarettes worth an estimated RM7.7 million, 103,407 liters of alcohol valued at RM4.5 million, and other goods such as cooking oil, vehicles, fireworks, and phones, collectively valued at RM841,329.

During the operation, 195 individuals, aged between 18 and 72, were detained for further investigation. Among them, 127 were local citizens, while the remainder were foreigners from countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and the Philippines. Fisol revealed that 140 individuals are to be remanded for seven days, 38 for immigration offences, while 17 were released on police bail.

Fisol noted that 13 offences were identified during the operation, including violations under the Customs Act 1967, Immigration Act 1959/63, Open Gambling House Act 1953, Minor Offences Act 2007, Local Government Act 1976, Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, Explosives Act 1957, and Local Government Ordinance 1961. Some premises were found to be repeat offenders, prompting ongoing collaboration with agencies like the Customs Department to tackle smuggling activities effectively.

From January 1 until the day before the press conference, more than 86.7 million sticks of cigarettes and 973,558 liters of alcohol, estimated to be valued at over RM232.5 million, have been seized, with 648 individuals arrested, underscoring the scale and ongoing nature of smuggling operations.