TAWAU: Two separate incidents unfolded in Sabah within a 24-hour span: a successful anti-smuggling operation by marine police in Tawau, and the discovery of skeletal remains in Lahad Datu.
The State Marine Police busted a smuggling operation involving contraband cigarettes during a raid along Jalan Sin On Tiku, at 9.00 pm on June 23.
Acting on public intelligence and surveillance, police stopped a suspicious Toyota Hilux four-wheel-drive vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered a large cache of contraband cigarettes concealed inside the vehicle, believed to have been smuggled in from neighbouring Indonesia for distribution within the Tawau area.
Two local men, aged 35 and 40, were detained to assist investigations. Authorities seized a total of 365,200 cigarette sticks from various brands, including Premium, Nice, L.A Menthol, and L.A Mango. The total estimated value of the seizure, including the vehicle, is about RM593,800.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. The State Marine Police reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations to curb smuggling activities that undermine national revenue and threaten public safety and well-being.
In an unrelated development, the Lahad Datu District Police received a MERS999 emergency call from a member of the public at 10.53 am on June 24, reporting the discovery of a human skeleton in a drainage ditch at the Turunan Bukit Taman Pertama 1 area.
The skeletal remains were transported to the Forensic Department of Lahad Datu Hospital for further examination. At present, the case has been classified as a Sudden Death Report (SDR), deputy OCPD Supt Jimmy Panyau said.
He urged individuals who have lost a family member, or anyone with information related to this case, to come forward to the Lahad Datu District Police Headquarters or the nearest police station to assist with the investigation. Members of the public may also contact deputy officer-in-charge of Lahad Datu Police Station SM Ronney Lajius, at 010 464 1071.
Jimmy advised the public against speculating on social media, as such actions could hinder the police investigation. They also appealed for sensitivity and respect toward the victim’s family during this difficult time. – James Leong
The contraband cigarettes confiscated by State Marine Police in Tawau on June 23.
