Menumbok:Sungai Melikai The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted an attempt to smuggle alcoholic beverages valued at approximately RM270,000 at Sungai Melikai, Menumbok, Sabah, early today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation was executed based on intelligence indicating the movement of suspected non-customs-cleared goods from the waters of Labuan to mainland Sabah. Labuan MMEA director Capt Izwanhadi Idros reported that at around 1.45 am, the MMEA patrol boat Penggalang 24 detected a cargo boat with three individuals moving from Labuan waters towards Menumbok.

The boat was observed docking at an unauthorized landing site at the Sungai Kampung Melika jetty. A subsequent raid was conducted on land with the assistance of the patrol boat personnel. However, the three individuals managed to escape into a nearby mangrove swamp. Efforts to locate them were hindered by unfavorable weather conditions and challenging terrain.

The inspection of the cargo boat revealed about 200 cartons of alcoholic beverages. Additionally, two lorries found at the site contained approximately 400 cartons of various brands.