BATU PAHAT: The General Operations Force (GOF) has arrested a 64-year-old shop owner and seized contraband cigarettes with unpaid taxes amounting to more than RM25,000.

       GOF Battalion 5 commanding officer Supt Dimin Awang said the arrest took place in Jalan Malinja in Taman Santalia, Tongkang Pechah here, at around 3pm on Saturday (Aug 21).

       "After some investigation and questioning, the suspect led us to a shop nearby, which we believe has been used to store and sell the smuggled cigarettes.

       "We believe that he has been supplying them to people in the Tongkang Pechah area," he said, adding that 151 cartons and 209 packs of cigarettes of various brands were seized with unpaid taxes amounting to RM20,287.76.

       The suspect's car was also seized as some contraband as well as two smartphones were stashed in the boot, Supt Dimin said.

       The case has been handed over to the Batu Pahat police for investigation under Section 135(1) of the Customs Act 1967.

       Supt Dimin reminded the public to continue helping the authorities combat illegal activities.

       He urged those with information to get in touch with the GOF Battalion 5 at 07-7557 280.