KOTA KINABALU: A man was caught in the act of smuggling over RM300,000 worth of contraband cigarettes in Lahad Datu on Sunday (June 23).
The 28-year-old lorry driver was stopped at 5.30pm at Mile 7, Lahad Datu ByPass by the district marine police force for acting suspiciously.
Sabah Marine Police Region Four commander Asst Comm Ahmad Ariffin said an inspection on the cargo was carried out, in the suspect’s presence, where they found 10,213 packets of cigarettes without the Customs duty stamp.
“The suspect was detained, while the vehicle and cigarettes were confiscated.
“The seized cigarettes are valued at RM306,390, while the total value including the lorry is RM351,390,” he said in a statement Monday (June 24).
The suspect and the confiscated items were taken to the Lahad Datu Marine Operations Headquarters for further action.
“Initial investigations revealed that the cigarettes were smuggled in from a neighbouring country for distribution in this district, and other areas in the state.
“Further investigations are ongoing, and the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967,” he said.
