THE General Operations Force (GOF) seized 362,000 packs of contraband cigarettes from a lorry in Kampung Iban Merotai in Tawau, Sabah, last night.

The seized items are worth an estimated RM8.69 million.

Tawau GOF 14th Battalion commanding officer Mohd Yacob Murad said the lorry driver, 37, was arrested in the operation at about 10pm.

“The cigarettes are believed to have been smuggled in from a neighbouring country for distribution in the state.

“They are of the Asatu brand (161,600 packs), Tex Hijau (108,500), Tex Merah (68,000) and Tex Biru (24,500), all worth about RM8.69 million.”

He also said his team seized the lorry and a hand phone. – Bernama, January 11, 2022.