22-06-2025
RM332,440 Tawau smuggled goods seizure
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025
By: Lagatha Toyos Text Size: Enforcement officers inspecting and seizing controlled goods during Ops Tiris in Tawau. TAWAU: Three locals suspected of attempting to misappropriate controlled goods were arrested during Ops Tiris raids at two separate locations with total seizures valued at RM332,440. Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander, DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos, said the suspects were aged between 31 and 37. He said the operation was conducted by Esscom's Security Division in strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, aimed at combating cross-border criminal activities. In the first operation, three individuals were detained along with a large quantity of diesel stored in a modified four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a special tank. The vehicle also carried several barrels of diesel stored around a petrol station area along Jalan Apas. 'The raiding team also seized mobile phones, receipts and two four-wheel-drive vehicles believed used in the illegal activity,' he said.
Advertisement The suspects were handed over to KPDN's Enforcement Division for investigation under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Victor said in a second operation near the Batu 3 Jetty, Jalan Apas, the enforcement team detected a suspicious boat entering Malaysian waters from the Indonesian maritime border. However, the boat's skipper and several passengers jumped into the sea and fled after realising the presence of authorities. Upon inspection, authorities found a local woman passenger along with cargo, and it was determined that the boat was used for cross-border smuggling. The woman failed to provide any Customs declaration documents for the items onboard. 'The authorities seized the boat with its outboard engine, several food items and a suspicious lorry parked near the jetty,' he said. Further investigation of the woman is being carried out by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department under the Customs Act 1967. Victor said the aim of the operation was to curb the smuggling of controlled, subsidised, and untaxed goods, as well as to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants. He affirmed Esscom's commitment to fighting cross-border crime, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), in support of national development initiatives and the strengthening of the community's socio-economic wellbeing, grounded in compassion, security, confidence, and sustainability in line with the aspirations of the Malaysia Madani agenda. He also urged the public to channel any information related to security incidents in the ESSZone to the Esscom Operations Centre via 089-863181 or WhatsApp at 011-63311072. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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