2,129 people held for smuggling in first half of this year - Acryl Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Police arrested 2,129 people for smuggling between January and June this year and seized goods worth about RM171.23 million, compared to the seizures amounting to RM136.27 million for the whole of last year.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order (KDNKA) director Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the operations were conducted by the three main divisions of KDNKA, namely the General Operations Force (PGA), Marine Police (PPM) and the Special Intelligence and Investigation Division (BPSK).

"PGA mostly focuses on arrest of illegal immigrants, goods with unpaid taxes and forest products such as timber, while PPM focuses on cases of smuggling of cigarettes, liquor and petrol.

"For BPSK, most cases resolved were related to smuggling of cigarettes," he told a media conference in Bukit Aman here today.

Acryl Sani said KDNKA would continue with its enforcement actions against smuggling-related activities, the entry of illegal immigrants and foreign fishing boats and other activities which violate the country’s laws.

In another development, Acryl Sani said nine boats, including one belonging to local fishermen but used by foreign fishermen to fish in the country, were detained in the 'Operasi Gelora Khas' in the east coast of the peninsula from June 17 to 30.

"A total of 75 foreigners, including fishermen, were arrested and the suspects and goods seized were handed over to the Fisheries Department for further investigation.

"The seizures are estimated to worth RM5.7 million," he said.

He said the operation was jointly conducted by PPM, the Fisheries Department, the Royal Malaysia Police Air Wing and the Special Operations Force VAT 69.

-- BERNAMA