LAHAD DATU: The district marine police thwarted an attempt to smuggle in contraband goods worth RM28,000 from a neighbouring country through Sahabat 16 waters on Monday.
Sabah Region 4 marine police deputy commander Superintendent Rosman Ismail yesterday said they also arrested the boat skipper and his crew as they did not have any documents.
Rosman said the boat was detained by a marine police team while patrolling the area about 1.45am.
“The team saw a boat heading towards the Sahabat 16 jetty from a neighbouring country and pursued it when it tried to flee upon noticing the presence of the marine police.
“Upon inspection, the team found 4,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes believed to be from a neighbouring country for the local market,” he said, adding they also seized the boat with two engines worth RM17,000.
Rosman said the seizure was estimated at RM45,000, including the boat, and both suspects were brought to the police station for further action.
He urged the public, especially those living in coastal areas, to inform the police of any smuggling activities in their area.
According to Rosman, Region 4 marine police made 351 seizures worth about RM4,379,340.12 during the first four months of this year.
He also said that they had made 53 seizures worth about RM2,594,748 under the Customs Act during the same period.