SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Marine Police seized 79,000 sticks of smuggled cigarettes in an operation on Monday.
The contraband cigarettes were discovered hidden in a house within the water village of Kampung Combo Laut, Sandakan.
The operation was carried out at about 3.05 pm, following an inspection of a house believed to be used for storing contraband cigarettes intended for the local market.
The total estimated value of the seizure is RM94,800. The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.
State Marine Police Commander ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim reiterated the marine police’s commitment to continue combating smuggling crimes for the security and well-being of the nation.
“The Sabah Marine Police welcomed information and cooperation from the public to report any activities that violate the country’s laws,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Semporna Marine Police seized over one kilogramme of methamphetamine (syabu) and arrested two foreign suspects in a raid at Kampung Halo, Semporna on Aug 28.
The operation at around 6.40 pm was based on information received. The marine police team then raided a house believed to be a drug den.
Marine policemen succeeded in confiscating a total of 1,019.93 grammes of syabu, with an estimated street value of RM33,000. Two foreign men, aged between 46 and 58 years old, were arrested on suspicion of being distributors.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death penalty upon conviction. – James Leong
