GOF seizes RM5.77 million in contraband, arrests 35

KUCHING : The General Operations Force (GOF) seized contraband and other illicit goods worth an estimated RM5.77 million in 26 operations conducted across the state in the first two weeks of October.

The operations, carried out from Oct 1 to 14 under ‘Ops Taring Alpha’, ‘Ops Taring Bravo’, ‘Ops Taring Batas/Awas’ and ‘Ops Taring Chiller’, also resulted in the arrest of 35 people, comprising 24 locals and 11 foreigners.

Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Datuk Lim Bak Phai said the operations targeted various offences, including the possession and sale of suspected untaxed cigarettes and liquor, diesel misappropriation, smuggling of controlled goods, immigration offences, migrant smuggling, drug possession and the storage and distribution of frozen products without valid permits.

‘Ops Taring Alpha’ accounted for the largest haul, with 18 successful operations in Kota Samarahan, Padawan, Sibu, Bau, Kuching, Miri, Serian and Bintangor.

It led to the seizure of 7,565 cartons of various cigarette brands and 30,957.67 litres of liquors, along with several vehicles, with the total value estimated at RM4.11 million.

Under ‘Ops Taring Bravo’, two operations in Limbang and Lundu targeted diesel diversion and the storage of rice without valid documents or permits.

The seizures included 64,000 litres of diesel, five skid tanks, 25,000kg of rice and two lorries, with a combined estimated value of RM824,780.

Lim stated that ‘Ops Taring Batas/Awas’ recorded four successful operations in Serian involving drug-related offences, immigration violations and migrant smuggling.

“The operations led to the detention of individuals suspected of possessing drugs and bringing foreigners into the country without valid travel documents or permits.

“Motorcycles, vehicles, mobile phones and cash were among the items seized, with the total value estimated at RM135,792.97.

“‘Ops Taring Chiller’ resulted in two operations in Kuching and Miri targeting the storage and distribution of frozen products without valid permits.

“The seizures comprised 2,060kg of frozen chicken, a forklift and various chicken-processing equipment and machinery, with an estimated total value of RM702,230,” he said.

Lim pointed out that the detainees and seized items have been handed over to the relevant departments and agencies for further investigation and action under the applicable laws.