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LABUAN – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle out 1,680 cans of Skol Beer worth RM10,300 (including unpaid tax duty) from the duty-free island yesterday.
Labuan MMEA director Nudin Jusoh said although the smuggler involved fled inland near the Mempakul river, he left behind the contraband goods, as well as a fibreglass speedboat with a Yamaha engine worth more than RM26,000.
He said an MMEA patrol boat was conducting a routine operation in Labuan waters at 1am when the team on board spotted a suspicious-looking speedboat from Labuan speeding towards Menumbok in Sabah.
“After tailing the speedboat for about 15 minutes, the smuggler sensed the presence of our team, and he sped off towards shallow waters along the Mempakul river and escaped, leaving the contraband behind,” he said today.
He added that the contraband beer will be handed over to the Customs Department for further action. – Bernama, September 22, 2022