Eight nabbed as GOF ops seize RM10 mln worth of illegal goods across Sarawak

KUCHING (Jan 17): The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigade has achieved a major breakthrough in curbing smuggling activities through the successful execution of Op Taring Alpha and Op Taring Chiller, with total seizures estimated at RM10 million.

Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the operations, conducted on Friday in Sibu, Betong, and Bintulu, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals suspected of storing and distributing goods without valid documentation or permits.

“The seizures included a variety of frozen products, cigarettes, and untaxed alcoholic beverages, along with vehicles and equipment,” he said in a statement.

In Sibu, a raid by the Intelligence Branch of GOF Battalion 10 led to the arrest of six men and the confiscation of a substantial quantity of frozen products valued at more than RM3.5 million.

In Betong, the Intelligence Branch of GOF Battalion 23, based in Sri Aman, detained one man and seized assorted frozen products, with an estimated total value of RM2.53 million.

In Bintulu, Op Taring Alpha successfully disrupted the storage of untaxed cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, resulting in the confiscation of thousands of cigarette cartons, hundreds of cartons of alcoholic beverages, and vehicles, with an estimated value of around RM4 million.

“All arrests and seizures have been handed over to the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services and the Bintulu District Police Headquarters for further action and investigation under the relevant legal provisions,” Lim said.

He added that the success of the operations reflects the brigade’s ongoing commitment to combating smuggling, protecting consumer interests, and safeguarding public health and safety.