SIBU: Sarawak Region 5 Marine Police Force (PPM) foiled an attempt to smuggle untaxed cigarettes and liquor worth RM5.05mil in an operation near Jalan KM16 Sibu-Bintulu on Sunday.
Acting commander Supt Rusdin Banin said the seizure was made at 5.35pm through Ops Taring Landai, following a public tip-off.
"A team from PPM Sibu detained a white-and-green cargo lorry parked on the roadside. An inspection found a load of cigarettes and liquor suspected to be untaxed and without valid documentation,” he said in a statement Tuesday (June 16).
He said the lorry driver was arrested and the case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division of the Sibu District Police Headquarters for further action under the Customs Act 1967.
Rusdin added that police welcome information from the public to combat smuggling activities.
From January to June 15 this year, PPM Region 5 conducted 84 raids in Sarawak, resulting in 94 arrests for offences such as smuggling of untaxed goods, subsidised controlled items and wildlife, as well as illegal entry of foreign nationals.
"Total value of seizures during the period was estimated at RM77.33mil,” he said.
Under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, individuals found in possession of, storing or concealing prohibited goods without approval face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction. - Bernama
