PGA5 seizes 1,661 cartons of contraband cigarettes in Pontian, Johor

PONTIAN: The Fifth Battalion of the General Operations Force (PGA5) seized 1,661 cartons of contraband cigarettes of various brands at two separate locations in Taman Pontian Jaya, here yesterday.

Commanding Officer Supt Dimin Awang said a 57-year-old local man was arrested for his alleged involvement in the smuggling of the cigarettes in an operation at 4.30pm yesterday

"Preliminary investigation found that the man had been carrying out the activity for the past three months and the two locations were used to store the contraband cigarettes before they are distributed around the district.

"The total seizure, including a Toyota Vios car, is estimated at RM 360,098," he said in a statement here today.

He said the man and the items seized were taken to the Pontian district police headquarters for further action and the case was being investigated under Section 135(1) of the Customs Act 1967.

Dimin called on the public to continue to channel information to the police via 07-7557280 to help curtail the dumping of contraband goods and the entry of illegal immigrants through ungazetted routes.

-- BERNAMA