KOTA KINABALU: Enforcement authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle in untaxed food items into the country in waters off Sabah’s east coast Tawau district.
The Marine police located the small wooden boat transporting the items in Batu Tiga waters at about 7.30pm on Wednesday (March 22).
A 17-year-old who was operating the boat was also detained in the operation dubbed "Ops Gelora".
Following an inspection, marine police found 2,800 packets of processed traditional peanuts, 588 bottles of chili sauce, 3,375 packets of brown sugar and 624 bottles of sweet soy sauce.
It was believed the items, worth some RM128,500 together with the boat, originated from Indonesia and were intended to be sold in the local market.
Region 4 Marine Police commander Asst Comm Ahmad Ariffin confirmed the seizure and arrest when contacted on Thursday (March 23).
"The case will be referred to the Customs Department in Tawau for further action," he said.
