GOF Sarawak seizes RM6.09 mln in contraband in nine operations statewide

Borneo Post

13-05-2025

The seized contraband cigarettes and liquor in Miri.
KUCHING (May 13): The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade successfully seized various types of illicit goods comprising cigarettes, alcohol, diesel and more in nine separate operations conducted between May 5 and 11, estimated to be worth RM6.09 million.
In a statement today, Sarawak GOF Brigade deputy commander ACP Rosdi Inai said the biggest haul was made during Ops Taring Alpha, carried out on May 7 at 10.45am by the Intelligence Branch of GOF Miri Battalion 12.
He said the operation involved a raid on a premises in Miri, which was suspected to be used as a storage facility for cigarettes and liquor that had not received customs clearance.
'The raid led to the discovery of 7,400 white cigarette cartons and 3,160 'kretek' cigarettes of various brands, as well as 201 cartons of liquor – all of which estimated to be worth RM3.09 million, based on market value.
'Two local men aged 26-29 and a 28-year-old foreigner were also arrested during the raid.
'The seized items were handed over to the Miri district police headquarters (IPD) for further action,' he said, adding the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, Section 56(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 39(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,' he said.
Meanwhile, the second largest case was reported in Kuching, involving a raid on a premises on May 11 at 5.59pm, suspected of being used as a storage facility for contraband cigarettes.
A truck full of LPG gas cylinders and misappropriated subsidised diesel and petrol confiscated in Debak.
'During the raid, we detained a local man aged 25. Further investigation on the premises had led to the discovery of 2,848 cartons of white cigarettes of various brands estimated to be worth around RM1 million.
Rosdi added the seized items and suspect were handed over to IPD Kuching for further action and investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
The GOF then proceeded to raid seven other premises throughout Sarawak, resulting in an estimated RM2 million in confiscated illicit goods.
Meanwhile, throughout the Op Taring period as of May 12, GOF Sarawak has seized a total of RM234 million, and arrested a total of 277 individuals (205 locals and 72 foreigners), and seized 174 vehicles.