KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (PGA) Brigade has achieved four major successes in Op Taring Alpha and Op Taring Chiller, with a total seizure value of RM13.5 million.
Sarawak GPA Commanding Officer, SAC Dr. Che Ghazali bin Che Awang in a statement revealed that on March 9, at 2.00 p.m., a police team from the 23rd Battalion PGA, Sri Aman, raided two premises in Betong suspected of storing contraband cigarettes and alcohol.
During the raid, a 50-year-old local man was arrested.
Further inspection uncovered 2,169 cartons of white cigarettes and 3,326.4 liters of various brands of alcoholic beverages.
The total estimated value of the seized goods was RM1,689,258.
The suspect and the confiscated items were handed over to the Betong District Police Headquarters for further investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
On March 10, at 6.30 p.m., police from Company C, 12th Battalion PGA, Limbang, raided a premises in Limbang suspected of storing contraband cigarettes.
Two local men, aged between 28 and 50, were arrested, and officers seized 2,550 cartons of white cigarettes and 350 cartons of kretek cigarettes of various brands.
The total estimated value of the seizure was RM1,563,000.
The suspects and confiscated goods were handed over to the Limbang District Police Headquarters for further action under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Earlier that day, Ghazali said at around 10.10 a.m., a joint operation involving the Sarawak PGA Brigade 10th Battalion PGA, and the Sibu Veterinary Services Department raided a premises in Sibu suspected of storing various frozen food products without valid permits.
Two men and a woman, aged between 36 and 65, were arrested.
Authorities seized 25,039 kilograms of frozen chicken and 350 kilograms of frozen beef.
Besides that, two containers, two forklifts, three lorries, and one van were confiscated.
The total estimated seizure value was RM2,339,974.
The case has been handed over to the Sibu Veterinary Department for further investigation under the Public Health Veterinary Ordinance 1999.
Later the same day, he said at 5.30 p.m., officers from the 10th Battalion PGA raided another premises in Sibu suspected of storing contraband cigarettes.
A total of 18,000 cartons of white cigarettes of various brands were found.
The estimated market value of the seized items was RM7,920,000.
The case was handed over to the Sibu District Police Headquarters for further investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
From January 1 to March 10, 2025, Op Taring operations by the Sarawak PGA Brigade have recorded a total seizure value of RM175 million, with 73 cases leading to the arrests of 173 individuals, comprising 127 locals and 46 foreigners.
Authorities also confiscated 88 vehicles of various types.
Ghazali added that the force is commitment to combating smuggling activities as these operations demonstrate their firm stance against illegal activities that threaten national security and economic stability, and the Sarawak Brigade PGA will continue its efforts to curb smuggling and uphold the law.
By Connie Chieng