BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED), Ministry of Finance and Economy, reported a case involving a Malaysian national charged with possessing contraband cigarettes and alcoholic beverages without valid authorisation.
Chan Nyuk Ho, 45, was charged with four counts under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order, 2006 for possessing various brands of cigarettes and liquor without valid permits.
The charge was the result of joint operations by the Royal Brunei Police Force and enforcement officers from the Commercial and Legal Enforcement Division of the RCED.
The operations took place at two locations – a roadblock in front of the Youth Centre and a rented house in Kampong Beribi.
The charges included the possession of 11 cartons of assorted cigarettes, carrying a fine of BND11,000 or 11 months’ imprisonment in default; and the possession of 23 bottles and 36 cans of assorted alcoholic beverages, carrying a fine of BND5,000 or five months’ imprisonment in default.
Further discoveries at another roadblock led to charges for possessing another six cartons of assorted cigarettes, carrying a BND6,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment in default; and for 23 bottles and 72 cans of assorted alcoholic beverages, with a fine of BND5,000 or five months’ imprisonment in default.
The case was heard before Magistrate Muhammad Qamarul Affyian bin Abdul Rahman at the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (Oct 9).
The court imposed a fine of BND27,000, or 27 months’ imprisonment in default of payment.
The seized items, including cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, were forfeited to the government for destruction, along with cash amounting to BND1,100 and MYR164.
The RCED reiterated its commitment to curbing the smuggling and possession of contraband.
It also reminded the public that such offences are punishable under the Excise Order, 2006 and urged cooperation in reporting any smuggling activities. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
