LAHAD DATU: Marine police have seized RM153,360 worth of smuggled cigarettes found in the mangrove forest of Kampung Puyut, here.
During the raid around 5am yesterday, all the cigarettes were believed to have been hidden in the area to avoid detection by authorities before being distributed to the local market.
Marine police Region Four commander Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nazri Ibrahim said the raid was carried out by a team of officers and members of the Lahad Datu PPM after receiving information about the cigarette smuggling activity.
He said, an inspection in the mangrove forest found a zinc hut storing several plastic bags of various colors filled with cigarettes believed to be untaxed.
"All the cigarettes were seized and no arrests were made, but further investigations are ongoing to track down the owner of the goods," he said when contacted today.
He added, all the cigarettes were taken to the Lahad Datu PPM Operations Headquarters for further action.
"All the cigarettes have been handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) and the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.