Muar: The Johor Region Two Marine Police Force (PPM) in Muar arrested three local men and seized 7,000 cartons of cigarettes worth more than RM2.28 million in an operation in the waters of Kuala Sungai Muar yesterday. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Region Two commander ACP Noor Azman Jamal stated that an RH30 patrol boat conducting Op Taring Gelora detected a fishing boat carrying individuals aged between 23 and 62 at 1 am. An inspection led to the discovery of several brown boxes containing illicit cigarettes believed to be untaxed. Noor Azman mentioned that, in addition to the L.A. Bold kretek cigarettes, the authorities also seized the fishing boat, a Fuso 120-horsepower engine, and a mobile phone. The three men were detained to assist investigations and were taken to the Region Two Muar Operations Base for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 and Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985. He added that the authorities will continue to intensif y efforts to curb illegal cigarette smuggling activities, which violate the law and result in losses to the country.