Mersing cops seize RM20,400 worth of contraband ciggies found in oil palm estate

MERSING: Police have seized contraband cigarettes believed to be left by smugglers in an oil palm plantation at Sri Pantai near here.

Marine Operation Force (MOF) Region 2 commander Asst Comm Muhd Zailani Abdullah said the cigarettes were worth about RM20,400 including unpaid taxes.

He said the Mersing marine police patrolled the coastal area following a tip-off on suspicious activities taking place near the plantation.

“A dark coloured vehicle was seen entering the plantation area and suspected of carrying out smuggling activities," ACP Muhd Zailani said in a statement Wednesday (Feb 9).

He said a Mersing marine police intelligence team went to the plantation following the tip-off but no vehicle was seen in the area.

“Our team waited for an hour-and-a-half but nobody came to pick up the cigarettes," said ACP Muhd Zailani.

The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967 and the investigation is conducted by the Crime Department of the Mersing police.

ACP Muhd Zailani urged anyone with information on illegal or smuggled cigarettes, drugs and illegal immigrants entering Johor to contact the MOF Region 2 at 07-237 2221 / 2222.