29 Sarawak GOF operations net RM84.42 mln in seized goods, 41 arrested over two weeks

The Sarawak GOF Brigade conducted 29 operations across the State between Sept 14 and 30, seizing goods and equipment worth an estimated RM84.42 million. Photo: Sarawak GOF Brigade

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 2: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigade seized goods worth an estimated RM84.42 million in just 17 days, with 29 operations uncovering illegal timber, diesel, untaxed cigarettes, liquor and frozen products.

Sarawak PGA Brigade Commander SAC Datuk Lim Bak Phai said the 29 operations were conducted over 17 days, from Sept 14 to 30.

“The operations led to 41 arrests, comprising 30 locals and 11 foreigners, involving various offences including the possession and sale of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages on which custom duties had not been paid, misuse of subsidised fuel, smuggling of controlled goods and frozen products, timber collection and processing without permits, immigration and drug offences, as well as the processing and sale of kratom water,” he said in a statement today.

Lim said the largest haul came under Op Taring Libas, with three successful operations recorded in Tatau, Kuching and Betong involving the collection and processing of timber without valid permits.

The operations resulted in the seizure of logs and processed timber, diesel, skid tanks, heavy machinery, forklifts, lorries and various processing equipment, with the total value estimated at RM76.83 million.

Meanwhile, Op Taring Bravo in Sri Aman resulted in the seizure of 4,000 litres of diesel, a skid tank, four heavy machinery units and a lorry, worth an estimated RM3.79 million.

Op Taring Batas/Awas recorded eight successful operations across Sri Aman, Lundu, Lawas, Serian and Bau, resulting in seizures worth an estimated RM2.18 million involving immigration and drug offences, subsidised fuel, gaharu wood, coarse sugar and frozen products.

For Op Taring Alpha, 13 successful operations were recorded in Kuching, Padawan, Kota Samarahan, Sibu and Miri involving the possession and sale of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages on which custom duties had not been paid.

The operations resulted in the seizure of 2,950 cartons of various types of cigarettes, more than 9,500 litres of alcoholic beverages and a vehicle, with a total value estimated at RM1.46 million.

In Miri, three successful operations under Op Taring Chiller led to the seizure of 2,826 kilogrammes of frozen chicken and meat products worth an estimated RM158,995 for being held and distributed without valid permits.

Meanwhile, Op Taring Mitra in Kuching resulted in the arrest of two local men and the seizure of kratom leaves, 138 bottles of kratom water, three gas cylinders, two mobile phones, RM1,042 in cash and processing equipment worth an estimated RM7,849 in total.

Lim said all suspects and seized items had been handed over to the relevant departments and agencies for further action and investigation under the law.

He said the Sarawak GOF Brigade would continue its close cooperation with enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities and protect Sarawak’s security and public order. — DayakDaily