TAPAH (Bernama): The Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) seized various types of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks worth RM2.02mil with unpaid duties and detained two men at a premises in Jalan Stesen, here, early Thursday (Sept 23) morning.

       Information and surveillance led to the arrest of the two men, aged 51 and 59, in Ops Kontraban which was conducted by the Northern Brigade Risk Branch at about 2.15am.

       Northern Brigade GOF deputy commander Asst Comm Mohd Noh Khamis said the raid at the premises used as a storage facility led to the discovery of 4,105 cartons of various types of cigarettes, 38,628 cans and 3,421 bottles of alcoholic drinks.

       "We also confiscated a lorry and four-wheel drive which were used to smuggle the contraband in plastic packages to avoid detection by the authorities," he told a press conference, here, on Thursday.

       He said intelligence over the past month found that the smuggling ring had been active for six months and smuggled goods were taken from the Klang Valley to be distributed to Orang Asli villages and nearby grocery stores in Bidor, Kampar, Tapah, Teluk Intan and Cameron Highlands.

       ACP Mohd Noh said the two men who were arrested were taken to the Tapah police headquarters to assist in further investigations under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967 as well as Section 20 (1) and Section 74 (1) of the Excise Act 1976.

       "The Northern Brigade will continue to maintain strict control and intelligence for offences under Ops Kontraban so that there are no smuggling activities," he said.

       He added that members of the public who had information related to the activity could contact the Northern Brigade Risk and Operations Branch at 05-5406666.- Bernama