The cartons of contraband cigarettes seized by police. – courtesy Region Three Marine Police via BERNAMA
KOTA BARU: Marine police foiled an attempt to smuggle 114 crates of cigarettes in a raid at Kampung Alor Mengkuang in Pasir Mas on Wednesday (July 16).
Region Three Marine Police Commander Asst Comm Zulafendy Hassan said officers spotted a three-tonne lorry around 4am near Chabang Empat, heading to Kampung Ana, Tumpat.
The driver ignored orders to stop and tried to escape, he said, adding that two cars believed to be used by "tontos" tried to block the police and almost hit an officer on a motorcycle.
Police fired at the tyres of the lorry and the tonto vehicles, but the suspects kept going, he added.
The chase lasted 30 minutes before the lorry crashed into a parking barrier in Pasir Mas, and the driver ran off on foot.
Police found 1.14 million cigarettes, believed to have been smuggled into the country, inside the lorry.
ACP Zulafendy said the seizure was worth about RM2.3mil, including tax, and the case was being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and the Penal Code.
He also urged the public to report border crimes by calling 09-5137726 or by e-mail to gerakanw3@gmail.com. – Bernama
