Pulau sipadan: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained 20 men and seized 3,014 boxes of contraband cigarettes worth RM24.2 million after tax in waters south of Pulau Sipadan, Semporna, yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah and Labuan MMEA director First Admiral Khairul Anuar Abd Majid@Razali stated that the suspects, aged between 26 and 62, included Indonesian, Filipino, Myanmar, Indian nationals, and locals. They were detained under Ops Sejahtera and Ops Tiris.

The operation was initiated based on intelligence reports, leading to the detection of a suspicious Malaysian-registered cargo vessel about seven nautical miles south of Pulau Sipadan. Authorities observed the transfer of brown boxes from the cargo vessel to an unregistered boat before inspecting the vessel, where multiple brands of cigarettes were found.

The seized cigarettes included brands such as Bosqu, New Aris, Berlin, and New Far, with each box containing 50 cartons. Various navigation and communication equipment, including GPS, radar, and radios, were also confiscated.

Khairul Anuar mentioned that the total value of the seizure, including the cargo vessel, was estimated at RM65.7 million. The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967, the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, and the Immigration Act 1959/1963. Preliminary investigations revealed that the cigarettes were brought in from Vietnam and intended for distribution in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. This case is noted as the largest cigarette seizure in MMEA history.