TAWAU: Marine Police Force (PPM) recorded a seizure of smuggled cigarettes valued at RM593,800, including a vehicle, here, on Tuesday.
PPM Region 4 Sabah Commander ACP Ahmad Amri Abd Rahman said the operation was carried out at Jalan Sin On Tiku based on public information and intelligence.
He said officers intercepted a Toyota Hilux that was being driven in a suspicious manner during the operation.
An inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of a large quantity of untaxed cigarettes concealed inside.
He said the cigarettes were believed to have been smuggled in from a neighbouring country for distribution in the local market.
Ahmad Amri said the seizure involved 365,200 sticks of cigarettes of various brands, including Premium, Nice, L.A Menthol and L.A Mango.
He said the total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, was estimated at RM593,800.
Two local men, aged 35 and 40, were arrested to assist investigations under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
On Tuesday, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 150,700 cartons of white cigarettes worth RM24.2 million, including taxes, off Pulau Sipadan, Semporna.
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