Local held, contraband fags seized in Kunak
Published on: Wed, Jul 02, 2025
By: Ibrahim Tabir Text Size: Seized cigarettes in Kunak. KUNAK: A local suspected of being involved in the distribution of untaxed cigarettes was arrested during an operation carried out by the 22nd Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF) in Kunak, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Kunak District Police Headquarters. Sabah GOF Commander Datuk Abdul Rani Alias said the operation, codenamed 'Op Taring Alpha 1', was launched following intelligence gathering and close surveillance by enforcement teams, leading to the arrest of the suspect in the Kunak Jaya area. A search of the suspect's vehicle uncovered a large quantity of white cigarettes and kretek (clove cigarettes), all believed untaxed. Among the items seized were more than 95,000 sticks of white cigarettes and around 30,000 sticks of kretek, along with the vehicle used for distribution. 'The total estimated value of the seizure exceeds RM218,000,' said Abdul Rani. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to have sourced the cigarettes from Tawau for distribution around Kunak. All items and the suspect have been handed over to the CID branch of IPD Kunak for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession of prohibited and untaxed goods. Abdul Rani said the success of the operation reflects the ongoing commitment of the Sabah GOF Brigade in combating smuggling and cross-border crime in the state. He said GOF would continue to intensify intelligence efforts and operations to safeguard national security and sovereignty. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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