PGA seizes RM813,000 in untaxed cigarettes and arrests a suspect during Op Taring Alpha in Kampung Pulau Panjang
KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (PGA) Southern Brigade seized 400,000 sticks of untaxed white cigarettes worth RM813,000 and arrested one man during Op Taring Alpha 1 in Kampung Pulau Panjang last night.
PGA Southern Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the operation, conducted with the Kota Bharu police Criminal Investigation Department, began around 9 pm when patrol personnel spotted two suspicious vehicles, a Proton Exora and a Nissan Grand Livina, and trailed them to Kampung Pulau Panjang.
He said both drivers fled into nearby bushes as soon as their vehicles stopped, but a 29-year-old man was nabbed after a scuffle, while another escaped.
“Checks on both vehicles uncovered 40 large boxes containing 400,000 SAAT-brand white cigarettes, suspected to be untaxed.
“Investigations also revealed both vehicles were using fake registration plates,” he said in a statement today.
Initial questioning found the cigarettes were destined for Kuala Besut, Terengganu. The suspect admitted collecting the pre-loaded vehicles from Kampung Pauh and delivering them for RM150 to RM200 per trip.
He claimed not to know the mastermind, saying they only communicated via the Buzz app.
The total seizure value, including both vehicles, is estimated at RM813,000, comprising RM748,000 for the cigarettes, RM35,000 for the Proton Exora and RM30,000 for the Nissan Grand Livina.
The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and Road Transport Act 1987.
