TAWAU – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) has successfully foiled a major cigarette smuggling operation worth more than RM65.7 million in waters south of Sipadan Island.
The seizure was carried out through Op Sejahtera and Op Tiris conducted by the Tawau Maritime Zone Headquarters following intelligence reports on suspected smuggling activities in the area.
Months of surveillance and intelligence gathering led enforcement officers to a suspicious cargo vessel located about seven nautical miles south of Sipadan Island.
Upon interception, officers discovered an ongoing transfer of several brown boxes from one cargo vessel to another, believed to be part of a smuggling operation.
Further inspections on both vessels uncovered thousands of cartons of white cigarettes suspected to have been transported without valid approvals and documentation.
Authorities also seized various navigation and communication equipment, including GPS systems, radar units, communication radios, mobile phones and vessel-related documents to assist in investigations.
Investigators further found that several individuals on board failed to produce valid identification documents and vessel records during the inspection.
A total of 20 foreign crew members and captains from several countries were detained to assist in the investigation.
Maritime Malaysia said inspections revealed 3,014 cartons of cigarettes comprising 2,956 cartons of BOSQU, 40 cartons of NEW ARIS, 15 cartons of BERLIN and three cartons of NEW FAR brands.
The value of the untaxed cigarettes was estimated at RM12.2 million, while the total value of taxable cigarettes amounted to RM24.25 million, including RM12.06 million in duties.
Overall, the total seizure involving the cigarettes, two vessels and related equipment was estimated at RM65.75 million, making it among the largest maritime smuggling busts recorded in Sabah this year.
The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for suspected cigarette smuggling, as well as the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Both vessels and all seized items have been escorted to the Tawau Maritime Zone Headquarters Jetty for further investigation.
Maritime Malaysia reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts against cross-border crimes, particularly smuggling activities that cause significant losses to government revenue and pose threats to national maritime security. -MalayaDailyToday
