The boxes of cigarettes seized by Esscom in Lahad Datu.
KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has succeeded in seizing RM4.1mil worth of smuggled cigarettes of various brands during a raid in Lahad Datu on Thursday (March 14).
Esscom commander Deputy Commissioner Datuk Victor Sanjos in a statement here on Friday (March 15), said the operation at an unnumbered building in Jalan Tamoi Baru, Lahad Datu, was done based on public tip-off on suspected smuggling activity.
"I would like to congratulate the Esscom special task team for the confiscation of 3,178,120 cigarette sticks and 400 small packets of tobacco involving an estimated after-tax value of RM4,137,474.
"Among the brand of cigarettes seized are Astro Merah, Astro Hijau, Samson Mild, Samson Menthol, Era Premium, Era Black and Tembakau Salak, which were either hidden in boxes or plastics.
"Esscom will continue to monitor and boost special operations like this, particularly in tracing elements that could jeopardise public safety especially in Sabah’s east coast," he said in the statement.
Victor urged civilians to report any suspicious activities to Esscom operation centre at 089-863 181 or through WhatsApp at 011-6331 1072.
