KUDAT: It seems that the weather was not too kind to two foreigners as the strong winds did not deter Marine Operation Force (MOF) personnel from carrying out their duties.
Aris showing the contraband cigarettes seized from the duo, yesterday.
The duo, aged 16 and 28, were arrested when trying to smuggle in nearly RM500,000 worth of cigarettes on Wednesday evening, thinking that the enforcement would take a break due to the bad weather.
Their bid failed when their speeding boat caught the attention of the MOF who were doing their routine patrol close to Tanjung Panbatu at Pulau Balambangan.
“We received a tip-off from the Marine Intelligence Unit and directed the MOF team, led by Inspector Mohd Noor Abd Latif to pursue the smugglers. They were intercepted at 2.35 nautical mile off Tanjung Panbatu at 7pm,” said Kudat MOF commanding officer, ASP Mohammad Aris Jambul, yesterday.
The enforcement seized 24,570 boxes of contraband cigarettes of various brands worth RM426,242.88 which were covered with canvas inside the speed boat.
Both men, who failed to produce identification documents, are currently remanded and will be investigated under Section 135 (1) (g) of the Customs Act, 1967.
“This is the Kudat MOF’s second arrest and seizure for this month,” said Aris, adding that they will continue to monitor and carry out patrols to combat smuggling activities by sea in the state.