LABUAN — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized approximately 600 cartons of alcoholic beverages worth an estimated RM270,000 in an anti-smuggling operation at Sungai Kampung Melikai, Menumbok, Sabah, early today.
Labuan Maritime Zone director Maritime Captain Izwanhadi Idros said the operation was conducted following intelligence on the transportation of suspected duty-unpaid goods from Labuan waters to mainland Sabah.
He said an MMEA patrol boat, Penggalang 24, detected a cargo boat carrying three individuals travelling from Labuan towards Menumbok at about 1.45 am.
“The boat was subsequently spotted docking at a suspected illegal landing site at the Sungai Kampung Melikai jetty.
“A ground operation was then conducted with assistance from the patrol boat team. However, all three individuals fled into a nearby mangrove swamp, and efforts to track them down were unsuccessful due to weather conditions and the terrain,” he said in a statement.
Izwanhadi said an inspection found approximately 200 cartons of alcoholic beverages on the cargo boat, while two lorries at the site were found carrying another 400 cartons of various brands.
“The total seizure amounted to approximately 600 cartons of alcoholic beverages worth an estimated RM270,000,” he said.
The seized items were confiscated under the Customs Act 1967 before being taken to the Labuan Maritime Zone headquarters for further investigation.
Izwanhadi said MMEA would continue to strengthen patrols and enforcement operations to curb smuggling and safeguard the country’s waters against maritime crimes.
He also urged the public and maritime community to report suspicious activities to assist enforcement efforts.
