TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has crippled what is believed to be a major cross-border cigarette smuggling operation after intercepting more than 3,000 cartons of illicit cigarettes off Semporna.
The seizure, worth RM65.7mil, was described by maritime authorities as among the largest in the agency's history.
The bust was made during an operation in waters south of Sipadan Island on Tuesday (June 23).
Twenty crew members and skippers from several countries were also detained to assist investigations.
Sabah and Labuan Maritime director First Admiral Khairul Anuar Abd Majid @ Razali said the operation was carried out under Op Sejahtera and Op Tiris following intelligence reports on cigarette smuggling activities in the area.
He said patrol vessel KM Kedurong intercepted a suspicious cargo vessel about seven nautical miles south of Sipadan Island in Semporna and discovered it transferring boxes to a smaller transport boat, commonly known as a kumpit.
"The vessel was caught while the transfer was taking place. Initial inspections found a large quantity of white cigarettes believed to be without proper approval and documentation," he told a press conference in Tawau on Wednesday (June 24).
Khairul Anuar said investigators believe the cargo vessel was acting as a 'mother ship', supplying smaller transporter boats that would then distribute the cigarettes.
He added that intelligence gathered during the investigation suggested the cigarettes originated from Vietnam.
"We received information that a large number of untaxed cigarettes had recently appeared on the market, but their source was unknown.
"Based on intelligence findings, we believe these cigarettes came from Vietnam and were transported by cargo vessel before being distributed through transporter boats," he said.
A total of 2,956 cartons of Bosqu cigarettes, 40 cartons of New Aris, 15 cartons of Berlin and three cartons of New Far cigarettes were seized, bringing the total haul to 3,014 cartons.
The cigarettes alone were valued at RM24.25mil, including tax, while the total seizure value, including the two vessels, was estimated at RM65.75mil.
Khairul Anuar said the vessel's documents listed Tawau as its next port of call, but investigators believed the cigarettes were actually destined for the illegal market spanning Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
"If we look at the port of call, it points to Tawau. But we know Tawau is not a place where such cigarettes can be legally imported.
"We believe they were intended for illegal distribution within the region involving Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines," he said.
Those detained comprise Malaysians, Indonesians, Filipinos, Indians and Myanmar nationals aged between 26 and 62.
Authorities also seized navigation and communication equipment, including GPS devices, radar systems, communication radios, mobile phones and vessel-related documents.
The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967, the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
