LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) seized RM4,137,474 worth of illicit cigarettes and tobacco in a raid on an unnumbered two-storey building in Jalan Tamoi Baru, here, on Thursday.
Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos said the seizure was made following a public tip-off.
He said among the items seized were 3,178,120 sticks of various types of white cigarettes and Kretek, as well as 400 small packages of tobacco.
Among the confiscated cigarette brands were Astro Merah, Astro Hijau, Samson Mild, Samson Menthol, Era Premium, Era Black and Salak Tobacco which were hidden in a box or plastic.
Datuk Victor Sanjos
“Swift action by Esscom special forces following public information involving the cigarette smuggling reflects Esscom’s commitment in reducing cross-border crime.
“I would like to emphasise that Esscom is constantly monitoring and will continue to intensify such special operations, especially in tracking down foreign elements that may threaten public safety, order and wellbeing, especially in the east coast of Sabah,” he said.
According to Victor, Esscom will also continue to empower the coordination of operations with other security forces to detain any individuals with malicious intent to disrupt the peace and security of the country.
He said Esscom was also committed in assisting various federal and state enforcement agencies in combating cross-border crime such as piracy and smuggling by intensifying integrated operations both in land and Esszone waters.
He urged the public to channel information to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
