KOTA KINABALU: The General Operations Force in Sabah has ramped up its crackdown on smuggling, carrying out 19 raids and seizing contraband worth over RM24mil in the first two weeks of 2025.
The enforcement operations, conducted under Ops Taring Eszzone, Ops Kontraban and Road Check Point, led to multiple arrests and significant confiscations, particularly of smuggled cigarettes and liquor.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Sabah GOF Brigade Commander Datuk Abdul Rani Alias said the raids resulted in the arrest of 24 men and seven women.
In one raid, authorities inspected a warehouse in Inanam storing fireworks with an expired licence.
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Another major raid took place at Batu 8 and a warehouse in Kampung Mangkalinau, Batu 3, Sandakan.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“A local man was arrested, and authorities confiscated 330,000 kretek cigarettes, 40,000 white cigarettes, and 5,681 litres of assorted liquor,” Abdul Rani said.
The total estimated value of the seized goods, including taxes, stands at RM3.27mil. Authorities also confiscated a van and a forklift.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Abdul Rani reaffirmed the GOF’s commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining public order.
He urged the public to assist in combating smuggling by acting as the “eyes and ears” of law enforcement.
“This is crucial to ensuring our country remains protected from illegal smuggling activities,” he said.
Beyond enforcement, the GOF has also intensified efforts to engage with local communities.
Through its Community Policing programme, the force has been working closely with residents in Pulau Buta Eco Tourism, Resory Tebba Batang, and SK Bangingod.
Similar initiatives have been carried out in Sungai Melayu and Inderasabah in Tawau, as well as in Gading-Gading and Pangi, Kunak.
“The goal is to establish a visible police presence to ensure the security of surrounding areas and coastal waters.
“Additionally, these programmes help strengthen ties between GOF and local communities through information-sharing and trust-building,” he added.
