Smugglers flee as marine police seize RM693,000 in illicit cigarettes
Marine Police Third Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Zulafendy Hassan, said the seizure was made near the Mak Neralang river in Kok Keli.
A marine team was conducting its Op Taring Landai in the area when they spotted several individuals behaving suspiciously near the riverbank, he said.
"The team was passing through the area at about 1.30am when they noticed the group. However, the men fled the scene upon seeing the officers approaching the riverbank.
"After searching the area, the marine team discovered a pile of black plastic bags containing boxes of white cigarettes.
"The 350,000 sticks of cigarettes are believed to have been smuggled in from a neighbouring country," he said in a statement.
He added that the seized items were later brought back to the marine police operations base in Pengkalan Kubor for further action.
The case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division of the Tumpat police.
It is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.
Zulafendy also said that the marine police would continue efforts to combat cross-border crime, which threatens the nation's economic stability.
Members of the public with any information regarding cross-border criminal activities are urged to contact 09-513 7726 or email gerakanw3@gmail.com.
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