Op Taring: GOF Sarawak seizes RM3.6 mln in contraband in 10 operations
KUCHING (Aug 4): The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade has seized various types of contraband estimated to be worth RM3.6 million in 10 separate operations under Op Taring conducted between July 21 and Aug 1.
In a statement today, GOF Sarawak Brigade commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the largest haul was made on July 21 at around 1.45pm during Op Taring Alpha by the Intelligence Branch of GOF Sibu Battalion 10.
He said the operation involved a raid on a house in Sibu, suspected to be used as a storage facility for cigarettes and liquor that had not received customs clearance.
'The raid led to the discovery of 783, 040 sticks of cigarettes of various brands, as well as 225.12 litres of liquor and a car — all estimated to be worth RM1.4 million, based on market value.
'A local man aged 43 was also arrested during the raid,' he said.
He said the seized items were handed over to the Sibu District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action, and the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Che Ghazali said the second largest haul occurred on Aug 1, where a team from the GOF Sarawak Brigade Kuching office detained four lorries heading towards the Malaysia-Indonesia border in Bau, believed to be carrying controlled goods without valid permits.
'The team confiscated 35,000 kilogrammes (kg) of bombay onions and 1,400 kgs of garlic, as well as four lorries used to carry the contraband — amounting to RM1.12 million.
'Four local men aged between 24 and 54 were also arrested,' he explained.
He said the case has been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade Kuching branch for further action under Section 21 of the Control of Supply Act 1961 and Section 23(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
GOF Sarawak also raided eight other premises throughout Sarawak, resulting in an estimated RM1.08 million worth of confiscated contraband.
As of Aug 4, GOF Sarawak has seized a total of RM301.8 million under Op Taring, recorded 301 cases, arrested 398 individuals (300 locals and 98 foreigners), and seized 225 vehicles. Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang general operations force illicit goods lead
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