KOTA TINGGI: The Southern Region Two marine police foiled an attempt to smuggle RM151, 200 worth of contraband cigarettes off the shores of Tanjung Siang, Bandar Penawar here.
Its commander Asst Comm Paul Khiu Khon Chiang said that a group of men on the boat were in the middle of transferring the 1,500 cartons of cigarettes when the marine policemen found a fibre boat at the location at around 3am yesterday (Tuesday).
"They were busy unloading the cigarettes wrapped in plastic packages onto the shore and tried to run away from the scene when they saw the enforcement officers approaching them," he said yesterday.
ACP Khiu said that the men gave chase but managed to flee into the mangrove forest nearby.
"It was pitch dark and was raining heavily at the time so unfortunately the group of men managed to get away," he said.
He added the seized contraband cigarettes were brought back to the marine police office in Pengerang, Kota Tinggi and the case would be handed over to the Customs Department.
He also said that the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a fine of up to 20 times the value of the contraband or up to three years' jail, or both, upon conviction.Did you find this article insightful?
