The contraband cigarettes seized by police. - Photo: RBPF
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Marine Police (Polmar) under the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle undeclared goods into the country via its waters Friday (April 4) afternoon.
A suspicious boat heavily loaded with fishing nets was spotted by a Polmar patrol moving along the coastline of Tanjung Kindana towards the waters off Kampong Sungai Bunga.
The patrol unit moved in to intercept the vessel for inspection.
Upon realising the presence of law enforcement, the two suspects on board abandoned the boat and jumped into the water, escaping into the nearby mangrove forest.
A search operation was launched immediately, with support from personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), to track down the individuals.
An initial inspection of the boat revealed several black boxes hidden beneath fishing nets. Further investigation confirmed the boxes contained a total of 1,250 cartons of contraband cigarettes of various brands.
The boat allegedly used for smuggling the contraband.
The boat allegedly used for smuggling the contraband. - Photo: RBPF
The case is being investigated under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006. All seized items, including the boat, have been handed over to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further action and investigation.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening patrols and surveillance to keep Brunei’s waters free from criminal activities.
The RBPF also urged the public to report any suspicious or illegal activities, particularly in maritime areas, to help maintain the peace and security of the nation. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
