KUCHING: Sarawak police have launched a special operation against vehicle smuggling, Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said.
The operation will be carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
“We do not deny the possibility of cars being smuggling out of the state.
“Therefore, we will be conducting a special ops to overcome the smuggling of cars from Sarawak to a neighbouring country,” Mohd Azman told a press conference after attending the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) monthly assembly today (July 18).
Last month, police crippled a vehicle theft syndicate that targeted Proton Wira cars and Yamaha motorcycles around Kuching and Padawan.
The syndicate consists of nine individuals including foreigners. Five of them (locals) were arrested in an operation codenamed ‘Op Lejang’ on June 27.
It is believed that Proton Wira cars and Yamaha motorcycles are high in demand in the neighbouring country.
Meanwhile, on the increase in crime index cases since the transition of endemic phase in April, Mohd Azman said that there has been an increase in vehicle and property theft cases.
“We believed that it (endemic transition phase) is among the causes of the increase as there is no restriction in public movement.
“Other than that, the police are ever ready to carry out the duties after the borders have been opened in Biawak, Tebedu and Lubok Antu,” he said.
