KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade has seized contraband worth more than RM9.3 million following a series of raids under the ‘Ops Kontraban Mega’ carried out across the state.
Brigade Commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said in the operations conducted between 26 and 29 August, a total of 29 raids and inspections were carried out in Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Sibu, Miri, Limbang and Bintulu,
“The raids led to the seizure of 13,530 cartons of white cigarettes of various brands, 2,549 cartons of ‘kretek’ cigarettes, 85,225.17 litres of alcoholic beverages, firecrackers and five motor vehicles.
“Police also arrested 24 local men and 12 local women aged between 18 and 72, as well as two foreigners – a 34-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Lim said that the total estimated market value of the seizures is RM9,329,747, comprising cigarettes worth RM5,686,056.40, alcohol worth RM3,175,256.10, and other items worth RM468,434.50.
“All suspects and seized items have been handed over to the respective district police headquarters for further action and investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957, and the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996,” he said.
He added that between January 1 to August 29, the GOF Sarawak recorded total seizures worth RM322.7 million, covering 357 cases with 467 arrests and the confiscation of 241 vehicles of various types.
Earlier, the operation involved coordinated efforts by the Sarawak GOF Brigade Headquarters in Kuching, the 10th Battalion GOF in Sibu, 1st Battalion GOF in Kuching, 23rd Battalion GOF in Sri Aman, and 12th Battalion GOF in Miri.
“The raids led to the seizure of 13,530 cartons of white cigarettes of various brands, 2,549 cartons of ‘kretek’ cigarettes, 85,225.17 litres of alcoholic beverages, firecrackers and five motor vehicles.
“Police also arrested 24 local men and 12 local women aged between 18 and 72, as well as two foreigners – a 34-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Lim said that the total estimated market value of the seizures is RM9,329,747, comprising cigarettes worth RM5,686,056.40, alcohol worth RM3,175,256.10, and other items worth RM468,434.50.
“All suspects and seized items have been handed over to the respective district police headquarters for further action and investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957, and the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996,” he said.
He added that between January 1 to August 29, the GOF Sarawak recorded total seizures worth RM322.7 million, covering 357 cases with 467 arrests and the confiscation of 241 vehicles of various types.
Earlier, the operation involved coordinated efforts by the Sarawak GOF Brigade Headquarters in Kuching, the 10th Battalion GOF in Sibu, 1st Battalion GOF in Kuching, 23rd Battalion GOF in Sri Aman, and 12th Battalion GOF in Miri.