SEMPORNA: Marine police thwarted two smuggling attempts involving cosmetics and cigarettes in separate operations conducted off the Simunul and Tanjung Manimpa waters, Tuesday.
Sabah Region Four Marine Police Force Commander, ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim, said the first operation took place around 12.45pm off Simunul, where a patrol team intercepted a suspicious boat carrying various brands of cosmetics believed to be from a neighbouring country.
Later the same day, at around 7pm, a second operation was carried out off Tanjung Manimpa, which led to the seizure of various brands of cigarettes, also suspected to be intended for the local market.
“The two operations resulted in the confiscation of 15 boxes containing approximately 7,000 units of cosmetic products and 400 cartons of cigarettes,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
The total value of the seized items is estimated at RM262,830.
Both cases are being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
ACP Mohd Nazri urged the public to cooperate with authorities by reporting any suspicious activity that may involve smuggling or violations of national law.
He added that the Sabah Region Four Marine Police Force remains committed to combating smuggling activities and safeguarding the nation’s security and wellbeing.
