KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak have seized various goods worth RM83.3 million from 287 operations conducted throughout 2024.
The operations, carried out between Jan 1 and Dec 31, included ‘Op Taring Batas’, ‘Op Taring Awas’, ‘Op Taring Delta’, Op Taring Alpha’, ‘Op Taring Bravo, ‘Op Taring Charlie’, ‘Op Libas’, and ‘Op Bersepadu Khazanah’.
GOF Sarawak Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the brigade also made a total of 275 arrests, involving 154 locals and 121 foreigners.
In addition, the brigade has deported a total of 355 foreigners, who attempted to enter Sarawak via illegal routes at the border areas.
“The seizures comprised cigarettes worth RM25.6 million, beer and liquor worth RM6.9 million, diesel worth RM1.2 million, vehicles worth RM14.2 million, and other goods valued at RM35.4 million.
“All arrests and seizures are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1963, Customs Act 1967, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, Sarawak Forest Ordinance 2015, Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 and other relevant laws,” he said in a statement.
Che Ghazali added the brigade is committed to strengthen and tighten security control at Sarawak’s border to combat cross-border crimes.
Among the operations, ‘Op Taring Alpha 1’ recorded the highest seizure value of RM16,187,513 across nine cases, followed by ‘Op Bersepadu Khazanah’ at RM14,791,376.36 from seven cases, and ‘Op Taring Alpha 2’ with RM13,056,972.36 from seven cases.
As for arrests, ‘Op Taring Batas’ recorded the most with 94 arrests, followed by ‘Op Taring Awas’ with 69, and ‘Op Taring Bravo 1’ with 37.
