BINTULU: Marine police (PPM) here seized contraband goods worth RM83,484 during a raid on a premises on Wednesday ( Sept 23).
They also arrested the premises’ owner.
PPM Region 5 commander ACP Shamsol Kassim said the raid operation codenamed “Ops Benteng (Landai)” was conducted around 8.30pm on a rented terrace house at Mile 5, Jalan Bintulu-Miri.
The team inspected a store in the house, guided by a 42-year-old store keeper.
“It led to the discovery of various branded cigarettes and beer inside. The illicit cigarettes are worth RM78,204, including custom duties, while the crates of beer are worth RM5,280.
“The total seizure including custom duties is worth RM83,484,” he said in a statement.
Shamsol added that the store keeper was arrested for failing to produce any documents regarding the goods.
Both the suspect and seizures were taken to Bintulu marine police headquarters.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967 and has been handed over to the Bintulu district police headquarters (IPD) investigating officer for further action.
