KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak seized caches of duty-not-paid cigarettes and beers worth RM34.7 million in two raids on Monday.
GOF Sarawak Brigade Commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said the operations, codenamed “Op Taring Alpha,” were carried out by the brigade’s intelligence branch.
“In the first raid, conducted around 7 am, the team seized 32,010 cartons of cigarettes, 20,043 litres of assorted beers, and five lorries. The estimated value of the seized goods is RM16,325,000,” he said in a statement.
Five local men, aged between 20 and 39, were arrested at the scene.
A subsequent raid at 8.30 am led to the seizure of 36,750 cartons of cigarettes worth RM18,375,000.
No arrests were made in this operation.
Che Ghazali said the detained suspects and seized goods were handed over to Kuching district police headquarters for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(D) of the Customs Act 1967.
He noted that in the first six days of 2025, GOF Sarawak has cracked down on seven cases, seizing goods worth RM45 million.
These operations have also resulted in the arrests of 21 locals and one foreigner and the confiscation of seven vehicles.
