Kelantan Smuggling Bid Crushed: 1.5 Million Illicit Cigarettes Seized, Two Arrested
KOTA BHARU, Dec 21 — Authorities scored another major success in the fight against contraband trade after the General Operations Force (PGA) Southeast Brigade seized 1.5 million sticks of untaxed white cigarettes worth over RM2.8 million in Kelantan today.
The cigarettes were discovered in a red Isuzu NPR truck during an early morning operation at Jalan Kampung Pek as part of Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan.
According to Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain, an intelligence patrol team from the PGA 9th Battalion grew suspicious of the vehicle before stopping it for inspection. A search revealed numerous brown boxes wrapped in plastic containing the illicit cigarettes.
The seized items were valued at RM2.805 million, while the truck itself was worth around RM80,000, bringing the total seizure value to RM2.885 million. Two men aged 45 and 53 were arrested at the scene to facilitate investigations.
All items and suspects were subsequently taken to the Machang District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
Ahmad Radzi said the operation’s success is believed to have halted a major smuggling pipeline supplying untaxed cigarettes to the East Coast market. He added that the PGA will continue strengthening enforcement, especially in border areas and high-risk smuggling routes.
He emphasised that such illicit activities deprive the government of vital revenue and contribute to the shadow economy. The commander also encouraged the public to support enforcement efforts by sharing credible information with authorities.
The PGA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying nationwide anti-smuggling operations and ensuring criminal syndicates are systematically dismantled.