LAHAD DATU: Authorities have detained 18 illegals immigrants and seized 125 cartons of contraband cigarettes, as well as five pump boats in four separate operations this week.
A total of fifteen 15ft mangrove logs were also confiscated during the exercises coordinated by Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).
Esscom commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said the operations involving various security agencies were held at Semporna, Sandakan, Tawau and Kudat districts.
"The success of the joint operations are due to cooperation between the police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the army in enforcing the laws.
"Esscom will tighten security measures by increasing the placement of security personnel and vessels at locations suspected to be back lanes (jalan tikus) for cross-border criminals to gain entry including illegals," he said.