Army thwarts smuggling attempt

LUNDU: The army successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle cigarettes and charcoal across the Malaysia-Indonesia border early this morning (Oct 20).

According to the First Infantry Division, the incident occurred near the PJP Pelita Kandaie oil palm plantation at around 5.18 am.

A patrol team spotted three Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles using an illegal route to transport closed cargo.
Upon inspection, the first vehicle was found to be carrying 72 cartons of illicit cigarettes and 44 boxes of charcoal.

The other two vehicles were empty.

A handout photo shows boxes of charcoal loaded in one of the vehicles involved in the smuggling attempt.

The total seizure value, including the vehicles, cigarettes, charcoal, cash, phones, wallets, and bags, is estimated at RM251,360.

Additionally, the four undocumented foreigners, aged between 28 and 56, were attempting to enter Malaysia illegally.

A police report has been filed at the Lundu police station for further action.