KINABATANGAN: Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) uncovered a smuggling operation in Kampung Paris Tiga, seizing 4,486 cartons of various cigarettes and 143 cartons of firecrackers valued at about RM850,000 after tax.
The raid on March 11 targeted several unnumbered premises following public tips about illegal cigarette storage. Commander Datuk Victor B Sanjos said the confiscated brands included Astro Merah, Neslite, Astro Fuze, Era Biru, L.A Bold, Nice, Extreme Mild, A Satu Premium, and Tembakau Salak.
“The case is being investigated under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2017, and all seized items have been handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department for further action under the Customs Act 1967,” he said.
Datuk Victor added the operation highlights ESSCOM’s ongoing commitment to combat cross-border crime in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone, with intensified cooperation with other agencies to tackle smuggling, piracy, and other security threats.
