LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted and foiled an attempt to smuggle cigarettes in the Hutan Simpan Muara Sungai Timbadu areas, last Sunday.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Nik Mohd Rizam Nik Mohd Fauzi, said the MMEA patrol boat detected the boat at about 8.30pm in the Timbadu river areas.
He said upon realising the presence of MMEA patrol boat, the boat immediately sped off towards the Timbadu rivers and threw out three black-coloured plastic bags during the pursuit.
“Result of inspection on the packages that have been thrown out found 600 boxes of cigarettes believed smuggled in from the neighbouring country for local market.
“The seized, estimated worth RM8,000, were handed over to Maritime Investigation officer for further investigation under Customs Act 1967,” he said in a statement, Monday.
Nik Mohd Rizam said MMEA will continue to increase patrol and enforcements to curb criminal activities in the Malaysian Maritime zone.
He also urged members of the public, especially the maritime community, to provide cooperation by channelling information or complaints to Lahad Datu Maritime Zone by contacting 089-885727 or Mers 999.
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