KOTA KINABALU: Over RM500,000 worth of untaxed cigarettes were seized while a man jumped into the sea to flee from security forces during a raid in the Tawau district early Monday (Aug 24).
In the 2.20am operation at the Kg Sri Aman jetty on Aug 24, maritime officials had approached an unnumbered boat, which was listing suspiciously, for an inspection.
Sabah Marine Police commander Asst Comm Ahmad Amri Rahman said following the raid, they found two brands of illicit cigarettes worth RM375,000 and RM86,400 respectively.
“Two fibre boats and two boat engines were seized as well, bringing the total value of confiscations to RM601,400,” he said in a statement Tuesday (Aug 25).
“A person believed to be involved jumped into the sea to flee and due to the dark surroundings, our men were not able to catch the suspect,” he said, adding that the manhunt continues.
The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967, said ACP Ahmad Amri.
On related matters, he said over RM7.3mil worth of seizures involving 55 cases and 39 arrests were recorded between January and August this year.
He said the marine police will continue to boost patrols and carry out raids to curb crime at sea, especially on routes and hotspots for smuggling activities.
“We will not compromise with any attempts to break the law,” ACP Ahmad Amri said, adding that strict and continued actions will be taken to uphold the safety and sovereignty of the nation.
