SIBU: The General Operations Force (GOF) 10th Battalion has seized 963 cartons and boxes of suspected contraband cigarettes and beer in an operation codenamed ‘Op Taring Alpha’.
The raid was made on a premises around 10.30 am along Jalan Salim yesterday (July 18).
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the team seized 930 cartons of cigarette and 33 boxes of beer, which were allegedly duty-not-paid.
“The illicit cigarettes are worth around RM255,069 while, the beer is valued to be around RM11,562.82.
“Two vehicles, namely a Toyota Vellfire and Perodua Kenari, worth RM250,000, were also seized and it brings the total seizure value to RM516,622.82.
“In addition, the team also arrested two local men aged between 20 and 30 to facilitate investigations,” he said.
Both the suspects and the seized goods were taken to Sibu district police headquarters (IPD) for further action.
Mohd Azman added that the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Upon conviction, the suspect can be fined up to 20 times the value of the goods or up to RM500,000 whichever is greater or, a jail term of up to five years or, both.
