MMEA Labuan snuffs out attempt to smuggle cigarettes and alcoholic drinks worth RM500k

LABUAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Labuan snuffed out an attempt to smuggle a consignment of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks valued at almost RM500,000 from the duty-free-island here to the neighbouring state of Sarawak last night.
An Isuzu truck used to transport the contraband cigarettes under the brand of Canyon and the alcoholic drinks of Bintang Beer valued at almost RM100,000 was also seized.
Labuan MMEA director Maritime Captain Che Adnan Md Isa believed this could be the biggest haul so far this year.
He said an MMEA patrol boat was conducting routine operation in the Labuan waters at about 9.50pm when a suspicious-looking speed boat was spotted heading towards Lawas waters.
"Subsequently, our patrol team tailed the boat for almost an hour and observed them from a distance before going into action when the boat berthed at the Bukit Sari river bank to offload the contraband several minutes before 11pm," he said to Bernama.
"Sensing the presence of the team, the smugglers fled with the boat, leaving the contraband near the jetty as well as the truck," he added.
Che Adnan said the contrabands could be for distribution in Lawas and its surrounding areas ahead of Hari Raya celebration.
"We will hand over the contrabands to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further action," he said.— Bernama