MMEA foils attempt to smuggle in RM250,000 untaxed ciggies, booze near Kuala Lawas

MIRI (Jan 28): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recently stopped an attempt to smuggle in duty-unpaid cigarettes and alcohol worth nearly RM250,000 near Kuala Lawas.

Miri zone director Maritime Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the seizure was made at around 1.40am during a routine patrol under Op Permai and Op Tiris 3.0.

He said a boat was detected approximately 0.6 nautical miles southeast of Kuala Lawas before being inspected and seized.

“Upon inspection, the blue fibre boat — which was unmanned and bore no registration numbers — was found to be carrying suspected contraband comprising 100 cartons of assorted liquor and 475 cartons of assorted white cigarettes believed to be untaxed,” he said in a statement.

The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for suspected smuggling of prohibited goods without duty payment.

All seized items have been brought to the Miri Maritime Zone Complex for further investigation.

Mohd Khairol added MMEA would continue to intensify operations, patrols, and enforcement efforts to curb smuggling and maritime crime in line with its commitment to safeguard the security and sovereignty of national waters.