PONTIAN: The marine police seized RM166,380 worth of contraband cigarettes from a speedboat off the shores of Pontian today.
The authorities also seized the boat and engine, worth RM40,000.
Region 2 Deputy Marine Police Commander Superintendent Salehuddin Mat Zaman said the PSC33 enforcement team was conducting an operation in the waters off Pontian spotted a speedboat heading toward the Pontian Kecil shore.
"The team gave chase for about 10 minutes and fired warning shots in the air to compel the speedboat to stop.
"However, the boat sped toward a mangrove forest in the shores of Pontian Kecil. Two men jumped off the boat and fled into the forest," Salehuddin said in a statement.
Upon inspecting the boat, the team found contraband cigarettes of various brands.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.