(Bandar Seri Begawan, 12th) The Brunei Customs Department recently brought a Malaysian citizen to court for possessing contraband cigarettes and alcoholic beverages without valid authorization.
The 45-year-old defendant was charged with four counts under Section 146(1)(d) of the 2006 Excise Order for possessing various brands of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks without a valid permit. The charges resulted from a joint operation between the police force and enforcement officers from the Commercial and Legal Enforcement Division of the Customs Department.
The operation took place at two locations: a roadblock in front of the Youth Centre and a rented house in Beribi. The charges included the possession of 11 cartons of various cigarettes, facing a fine of BND11,000 or 11 months' imprisonment; and the possession of 23 bottles and 36 cans of various alcoholic beverages, facing a fine of BND5,000 or 5 months' imprisonment.
Items found at another roadblock led to charges for possession of another 6 cartons of various cigarettes, with a fine of BND6,000 or 6 months' imprisonment; and possession of 23 bottles and 72 cans of various alcoholic beverages, with a fine of BND5,000 or 5 months' imprisonment.
The case was heard at the Magistrate's Court on October 9 by a magistrate. The court imposed a fine of BND27,000, or 27 months’ imprisonment in default of payment. The seized items, including cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, together with BND10,100 and MYR164 in cash, were confiscated and handed over to the government for destruction. The Royal Anti-Corruption Commission reaffirmed its commitment to combatting smuggling and the possession of contraband. It also reminded the public that such offenses will be punished under the 2006 Excise Order and urged the public to cooperate by reporting any smuggling activities.
The 45-year-old defendant was charged with four counts under Section 146(1)(d) of the 2006 Excise Order for possessing various brands of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks without a valid permit. The charges resulted from a joint operation between the police force and enforcement officers from the Commercial and Legal Enforcement Division of the Customs Department.
The operation took place at two locations: a roadblock in front of the Youth Centre and a rented house in Beribi. The charges included the possession of 11 cartons of various cigarettes, facing a fine of BND11,000 or 11 months' imprisonment; and the possession of 23 bottles and 36 cans of various alcoholic beverages, facing a fine of BND5,000 or 5 months' imprisonment.
Items found at another roadblock led to charges for possession of another 6 cartons of various cigarettes, with a fine of BND6,000 or 6 months' imprisonment; and possession of 23 bottles and 72 cans of various alcoholic beverages, with a fine of BND5,000 or 5 months' imprisonment.
The case was heard at the Magistrate's Court on October 9 by a magistrate. The court imposed a fine of BND27,000, or 27 months’ imprisonment in default of payment. The seized items, including cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, together with BND10,100 and MYR164 in cash, were confiscated and handed over to the government for destruction. The Royal Anti-Corruption Commission reaffirmed its commitment to combatting smuggling and the possession of contraband. It also reminded the public that such offenses will be punished under the 2006 Excise Order and urged the public to cooperate by reporting any smuggling activities.