KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized cigarettes of various brands valued at RM1.41 million being smuggled into the country by boat via Sipitang waters last night.
Sabah and Labuan MMEA enforcement chief First Admiral (Maritime) Wan Mohd Affandi Wan Ahmad said the seizure was made as the contraband was being unloaded at an illegal jetty at Sungai Marintman.
“The MMEA vessel detected a high-powered pump boat entering the mouth of Sungai Marintman at 8.15 pm and once it reached the jetty, boxes were unloaded,” he said in a statement.
Wan Mohd Affandi said those unloading the contraband fled into the mangrove forest when they spotted the presence of the MMEA personnel while those in the boat sped off to sea.
A seven-tonne lorry, believed to be for transporting the cigarettes to an unknown destination, was seized, he said.– BERNAMA