BY Rokiah Mahmud

Hundreds of contraband were seized during series of operations by the Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) at separate locations recently.

On July 12 in Beribi, the RCED detained six male foreigners aged between 33 and 43 for possessing 52 cartons, 34 packets and 44 sticks of cigarettes, as well as nine bottles of alcohol beverages, along with BND3,236 cash believed to be proceeds from the contraband sales.

During the second operation in Kampong Mulaut on July 14, the enforcement agency arrested a local man aged 20 for possessing 65 cartons and nine packets of cigarettes. His car and cash, believed to be proceeds from the sales of the contraband, were also seized.

During an operation at a restaurant in Kampong Kiarong on July 16, four citizens and one permanent resident aged between 21 and 54 were found in possession of two units of vapes and several cigarettes.

Meanwhile, two citizens aged between 22 to 40 were detained for possessing some 500 kilogrammes of dubious chicken parts and wings at Pantai Serasa on July 18. A 15-feet boat with two engines and a car, suspected to be used for transport, were also seized.

During a routine inspection at the Brunei International Airport on July 16, the RCED nabbed a 28-year-old local for possessing over 100 vape products.

A smuggling attempt was also foiled at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post on July 19, where enforcement personnel found several vape products hidden inside a vehicle.

All seized items and suspects were brought to the RCED law enforcement division for further investigation.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin