(Miri, 4th) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) Miri branch officers successfully intercepted a batch of suspected smuggled liquor and cigarettes, which were discovered in the waters of Lawas.
Miri Maritime Enforcement Agency Deputy Director Mahkos Anak Juing announced at a press conference held at the agency that in this operation, enforcement officers successfully seized 50 boxes (totaling 1200 cans) of various brands of liquor, and 80 cartons (totaling 16,000 sticks) of different brands of cigarettes. The total estimated value of the seized items is approximately RM40,000.
This batch of goods was intercepted about 0.22 nautical miles (0.4 kilometers) from Tanjung Kuala Lawas. The operation was based on intelligence provided by the Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone intelligence team.
Upon receiving the information, the maritime enforcement agency swiftly dispatched the "Petir 80" high-speed patrol boat to the area for enforcement action. At around 12:10 am, as the patrol boat entered the Kuala Lawas estuary, suspicious activities were detected approximately 0.1 nautical miles from the patrol boat.
When the suspects noticed the patrol boat approaching, a white four-wheel-drive vehicle quickly sped away from the scene, clearly attempting to evade the enforcement officers' pursuit.
At 12:20 am, enforcement officers conducted a search approximately 0.22 nautical miles from Tanjung Kuala Lawas riverbank near the target area and discovered several black packages. A preliminary check confirmed the packages contained a large amount of cigarettes and liquor.
This case is currently being investigated under the Customs Act 1967, as the enforcement agency suspects that these items are untaxed contraband. All seized items have been sent to the Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Complex and handed over to the investigating officer for further investigation.
Mahkos stated that this case is the first case of smuggled cigarettes and liquor the agency has detected this year. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reiterated its commitment to strengthening patrols and enforcement in the maritime zones to prevent smuggling and maritime criminal activities and to vigorously combat any individuals or groups involved in illegal activities.
The agency also urges the public to actively provide intelligence and jointly combat maritime smuggling and criminal activities. If suspicious activities are detected, the public can call the emergency hotline 999 or directly contact the Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Operations Center (085-649111) or the Sarawak Maritime Enforcement State Operations Center (082-432544 / 082-432016).