KOTA KINABALU: Marine police in Kota Kinabalu and the east coast Semporna district have confiscated contraband and controlled items worth over RM100,000 in a series of successful operations.
The first operation took place at the Likas river on Monday (July 10), where police managed to thwart attempts to smuggle illicit cigarettes. A team patrolling the riverbank spotted a group of suspicious individuals at around 6.40pm, prompting the suspects to flee in different directions upon the police’s approach. After conducting a thorough check, authorities discovered a variety of contraband cigarettes abandoned in black plastic bags. Marine Police Region 4 Commander Asst Comm Ahmad Ariffin confirmed that the illegal items were valued at approximately RM70,000. The seized items have since been handed over to the Customs Department.
In a separate incident in Semporna, two Filipino men aged 19 and 50 were caught attempting to smuggle 204 packets of subsidized cooking oil out of Sibangkat Island. The marine police intercepted the suspects in a pumpboat around 9pm. ACP Ahmad stated that the boat and the confiscated items were estimated to be worth more than RM10,000. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s Semporna office has taken custody of the detained individuals along with the seized items.
In another case, marine police apprehended a 42-year-old man who was attempting to sneak illegal cosmetic products into Semporna. The suspect was detained at approximately 6.30pm while traveling in a boat near Sibuan Island. It is believed that the suspect imported the cosmetics from the Philippines. ACP Ahmad confirmed that the individual did not possess the necessary documentation to prove that the items were approved for use in the country by the Health Ministry. The seized boat and cosmetics were valued at over RM31,000.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
