TAWAU: The Sabah Marine Police Force thwarted a cigarette smuggling attempt during a raid at the Kampung Sri Aman Jetty here, in the early hours of August 24.
The operation, carried out at approximately 2.20 am, was the result of intelligence gathering and surveillance after authorities detected suspicious activities believed to involve the smuggling of cigarettes from a neighbouring country.
During the raid, the team discovered two unregistered fiberglass boats suspected of being used to transport the contraband. A thorough inspection of both vessels revealed numerous boxes containing cigarettes believed to be duty-unpaid.
The seized items include: 250,000 sticks of Premium International white cigarettes, valued at RM375,000.00, 48,000 sticks of Menara Dunia clove cigarettes, valued at RM86,400.00, two fiberglass boats and two 200HP outboard engines.
The total estimated value of the confiscated goods amounts to RM601,400.
When the raid was conducted, the suspected individuals managed to evade arrest by jumping into the sea. Efforts to track them were hampered by the dark surroundings and poor visibility.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Over the period from January to August 2026, a total of 55 cases were recorded under the Customs Act 1967, with overall seizure value amounting to RM7,337,542.61. Meanwhile, 39 individuals were apprehended during this timeframe.
This achievement underscores the ongoing commitment of the Sabah Marine Police in combating smuggling activities, particularly along the waters and borders of the East Coast.
Sabah Marine Police Commander, ACP Ahmad Amri Abd Rahman, emphasised the marine police will continue to intensify intelligence operations, patrols, and enforcement actions at locations identified as key transit points for smuggling routes.
“We will not compromise with any party attempting to break the law,” he asserted.
Firm and sustained actions will be carried out to curb smuggling activities and to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the nation’s waters remain preserved. – James Leong
The contraband cigarettes and fibreglass boats seized by the Marine Police in Tawau early Monday.
