RM98.7 mln worth of illicit beer, cigs seized in raids
KUCHING: Various types of beer and cigarettes worth more than RM98.7 million, including those already expired, were confiscated by police during ‘Op Taring Alpha’ raids here and in Padawan on Tuesday.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata said the seizures were made by Bukit Aman’s Department of Internal Security and Public Order, Sarawak Marine Police, Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) and Kuching district police headquarters.
“A total of three raids were carried out on premises located in Jalan Setia Raja, Kuching; Jalan Padungan, Kuching; and Mile 7 Jalan Penrissen, Padawan; resulting in the arrest of eight local men aged between 22 and 67.
“Seized during the raids were 2,858 boxes of cigarettes and liquor of various brands, most of
A total of three raids were carried out on premises located in Jalan Setia Raja, Kuching; Jalan Padungan, Kuching; and Mile 7 Jalan Penrissen, Padawan; resulting in the arrest of eight local men aged between 22 and 67. Dato Mancha Ata
which have expired, with a total value RM98.7 million including tax,” he told a press conference at the state police headquarters, here yesterday.
Mancha said the investigation is being carried out under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which provides for imprisonment of between six months and five years, and a fine of up to RM100,000, upon conviction.
“All the suspects have been remanded to assist the investigation. Police are also investigating whether the suspects have ties to any syndicate,” he added.
He also called on the public who have information on smuggling activities to pass it on to the police.
Also present at the press conference were Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Ibrahim Darus, Sarawak Marine Police commander ACP Ab Rahman Mat Hasan, Sarawak GOF commander ACP Che Gazali Che Awang, and Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah.