Joint ops foils bid to smuggle RM95,000 worth of contraband ciggies

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 1): A joint operation in Semporna on Saturday foiled an attempt to smuggle contraband cigarettes worth over RM95,000.

The Kunak General Operations Force (GOF) in a statement said its team was conducting an Op Taring Alpha operation with Semporna police personnel when they stopped a car driven by a man for inspection.

“A search of the vehicle uncovered boxes and packets of cigarettes—believed to be contraband goods—in the boot and rear passenger seat.

“The suspect and items were handed over to the Semporna district police headquarters for further investigation,” read the statement.

The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.

The Kunak GOF said efforts are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the smuggling network.