Over RM1mil in ciggies and subsidised petrol seized

KOTA BARU: Cigarettes and subsidised petroleum were among items seized by the authorities during raids along the borders.

Malaysia Border Control Agency (Aksem) seized the cigarettes worth RM1.1mil while the Kelantan Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Office (PPDNKK) foiled an attempt to smuggle petroleum amounting to nearly RM9,500.

State Aksem commander Mohd Asri Yahya said acting on a tip-off, enforcement officers trailed a lorry for 50km from Pantai Senok in Bachok early yesterday.

“After entering into the Jalan Bahagia junction, the driver dashed out of the lorry and fled into the nearby jungle upon realising that he was being followed.

“We conducted an inspection and found 8,250 cartons of cigarettes in the abandoned lorry,” he said.

The goods were handed over to the Customs Department to be investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.

At a separate press conference, state PPDNKK chief Datuk Ab Ghani Haron said they foiled an attempt to smuggle petroleum in three cars at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex on Monday.

“Three Thai nationals were nabbed to assist investigations.

“Initial investigations showed the suspects had bought subsidised fuel at various gas stations near the Rantau Panjang border,” he said.