MIRI: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) seized contraband liquor and cigarettes worth RM4,002,400 in three separate raids on Monday (July 26).
Commander SAC Saini Bongkek told the media on Tuesday (July 27) at Batalion 12 Miri GOF HQ that three premises around the city were raided in ‘Ops Kontraban’ from 11am to 1pm.
Three men aged between 24 and 44 were also detained in the raids.
“When the team raided the houses, the suspects were in the midst of loading beer into lorries.
“The team found 21,850 cartons (4,370,000 sticks) of white cigarettes); 2,680 cartons (428,800 sticks) of clove cigarettes and 58 boxes of contraband liquor amounting to 513 litres.
“They also seized a van (RM50,000), with the total seizure estimated at RM 4,002,400.”
Investigations revealed that the suspects had been active for a while and distributing contraband beer within the city.
The suspects were handed over to the Miri Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Meanwhile in a separate raid, SAC Saini said Batalion 10 Sibu GOF crippled an illegal logging operation at Sekuai Ulu Oya, Selangau in Sibu on Sunday (July 25).
The team seized three bulldozers, five excavators and 50 tonnes of logs worth RM1,459,165.
They also detained a 55-year-old local man for questioning.
“All seized items have been handed over to the Sibu Forest Department and the case will be investigated under the Sarawak Forest Ordinance 2015.”
Earlier, a handover of duties was done between outgoing Miri GOF CO Supt Tan Hiap Seng and incoming CO Supt Uchong Sigan. Supt Tan is retiring from the force at the age of 60.
