(Bandar Seri Begawan, 22nd) The Marine Police Operations Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force recently conducted patrols and surveillance in the Brunei Bay waters, successfully cracking a case involving the attempted smuggling of undeclared goods through national waters and seizing a large quantity of contraband cigarettes.
According to a police statement, the marine police patrol boat was conducting patrols near Pulau Chermin when they spotted a suspicious vessel and immediately proceeded to intercept and inspect it.
Upon realizing the marine police were taking action, the suspect steered the vessel towards the riverbank near Kampung Sungai Besar and attempted to escape ashore, but was ultimately intercepted and apprehended by the marine police personnel.
Upon inspecting the vessel, police found it was carrying various types of contraband cigarettes, including 150 cartons of Era Premium, 150 cartons of Era Black Menthol, 10 cartons of Grow Black Ice, and 2 cartons of Win Mild, totaling 312 cartons.
The police stated that the case is currently being investigated under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006.
All seized goods, including the vessel involved, have been handed over to the Royal Brunei Customs and Excise Department for further investigation and processing.
The police emphasized that patrols and surveillance in national waters will continue to be strengthened to prevent any criminal activities.
The police also reminded the public not to engage in any activities that violate Bruneian law, and urged citizens that if they discover any suspicious or illegal activities, they may call the emergency hotline 993 or go to the nearest police station to make a report.