KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) has arrested five men and seized smuggled goods worth an estimated RM4.85mil in an operation codenamed Ops Taring Bravo.
Sarawak Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Lim Bak Phai said the 11th Battalion's intelligence branch raided a premises in Bau on Monday (March 2) and detained five local men aged 23 to 52 for allegedly storing and smuggling goods without valid permits or documents.
"An inspection of the premises led to the seizure of 24,975kg of shallots, 3,383kg of cooking oil, 62,190kg of rice, 125 boxes of various medicines and 16,080kg of frozen meat.
"Also seized were three lorries and three containers," he said in a statement on Thursday (March 5).
SAC Lim said the raid was carried out in an integrated operation with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, with assistance from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Health Ministry, Veterinary Services Department and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's Kawalselia Padi dan Beras.
The Sarawak police contingent's K9 unit was also involved to detect any drug smuggling activities at the raided premises.
"The suspects and seized goods have been handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation and action," SAC Lim said.
