Polis marin rampas rokok, minuman keras hampir RM5.37 juta

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Marine Police Force (PPM) has seized nearly RM5.37 million worth of untaxed cigarettes and alcohol during joint operations in Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu on September 14 and 15. The first joint operation, conducted on September 15, involved the seizure of 1.82 million untaxed cigarettes from various brands believed to be smuggled in from neighboring countries, with an estimated value of RM2.564 million.

The operation also led to the discovery of another speedboat hidden in a mangrove gully at Seguntur River, which yielded 1.73 million untaxed cigarettes from different brands worth approximately RM2.326 million. In a separate operation on September 14, PPM seized 43,200 cans of untaxed alcoholic beverages from an unregistered store in Kampung Dambai, Jalan Tuaran Bypass, valued at RM478,506.

These incidents, under Sections 135(1)(d) and 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967, resulted in a total seized value of RM8,386,812.61 and 40 arrests. In the first quarter of 2023, PPM Sabah recorded 61 cases under the Customs Act, amounting to a seized value of RM8,386,812.61 and 40 arrests. PPM Sabah emphasized the effectiveness of joint risk-sharing and strategic cooperation with the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) in strengthening enforcement actions and countering smuggling activities.

They will continue to enhance enforcement operations, strengthen information sharing, and increase collaboration among agencies to ensure a continuous suppression of smuggling activities.