GOF seizes 1.5 million untaxed cigarette sticks and a truck in Machang, arresting two men in a major bust against smuggling syndicates
MACHANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) has thwarted a major smuggling attempt, seizing untaxed white cigarettes worth over RM2.8 million.
The raid was conducted by the GOF Southeast Brigade’s intelligence team during a routine patrol along Jalan Kampung Pek early this morning.
Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said personnel detected a suspicious red Isuzu NPR truck at approximately 6:30 am.
An inspection revealed the vehicle was loaded with brown boxes wrapped in transparent plastic, suspected to contain contraband cigarettes.
“The inspection revealed that the truck was carrying 1.5 million sticks of untaxed white cigarettes with an estimated value of RM2.805 million,” Ahmad Radzi said.
He added that the truck, valued at RM80,000, was also confiscated during the operation.
Two men, aged 45 and 53, were detained at the scene to assist with the investigation.
The total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, amounts to RM2.885 million.
All seized items and the suspects have been taken to the Machang District Police Headquarters for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
Ahmad Radzi stated that the operation’s success is believed to have disrupted untaxed cigarette distribution and smuggling syndicates on the peninsula’s East Coast. – Bernama
