SEMPORNA: The Kunak 22nd Battalion General Operations Force (GOF) successfully thwarted an attempt to distribute illicit cigarettes during Operation Taring Alpha 1 at Jalan Kampung Selamat on Monday.
The joint operation, carried out in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Semporna Police Headquarters, followed intelligence sharing and surveillance.
A green Perodua Myvi was stopped for inspection, which led to the discovery of 115 cartons of various types of cigarettes inside the vehicle’s boot and concealed outside, all suspected to be without proper tax stamps.
“A 25-year-old foreign national was arrested at the scene to assist with the investigation,” said a spokesperson for the Kunak GOF. “Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was acting as a runner and had been paid RM100 by an individual known as ‘Jais.’”
It is believed that the suspect had been selling the illicit cigarettes in small quantities around Kampung Selamat.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt. The total value of the seized items, including the vehicle, is estimated at RM51,400.
The suspect, along with the seized items, has been handed over to Semporna police for further legal proceedings. The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Investigations are ongoing to identify any networks involved in the smuggling operation.
