KOTA KINABALU: The Sandakan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency thwarted an attempt to smuggle in 48,600 sticks of cigarettes in Sandakan using three speed boats and a “sampan”.

       The speed boats were used to tow the sampan where the cigarettes, worth RM33,000 believed from a neighbouring country, were hidden.

       MMEA Zone director, Kpt Zainudin Mohd Zuki said a vessel which was on a routine Op Pluto Timur patrol at Senawang waters spotted three suspicious speed boats at about 1am on Sunday (June 19).

       He said one of the boats were seen towing a ‘sampan’ in the dark.

       “When ordered to stop for inspection, the three boats sped off.

       “A chase ensued for 20 minutes before one of the boats cut off the rope attached to the sampan in waters of Pulau Sulok, Beluran.

       “The three speed boats sped off towards the mangrove area,” he said on Monday (June 20).

       Kpt Zainudin said further inspection found the contrabands in the sampan.

       He added that investigation was being carried out to trace the mastermind and individuals running the smuggling activity.