KUALA LUMPUR: Police seized contraband goods, various other controlled items and wild animals estimated to be worth RM 1.7 billion between 2021 and April this year.
The seizures were carried out by personnel from the Internal Security and Public Order Department who were assisted by various enforcement departments.
Yesterday, Federal Police Deputy Director (KDNKA) Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB) Intelligence and Special Investigations (PSK), Senior Assistant Commissioner Azlin Sadari said in 2021, a total of 4,460 cases with the arrest of 7,288 people were made involving seizures worth RM658.6 million.
"Last year, another 4,505 cases with 8,186 people were arrested involving RM540.2 million and this year, police detained 2,134 people over 1,653 cases involving RM538.2 million within the first four months."
Azlin said the department squashed 508 smuggling attempt cases worth RM190 million and arrested 480 people for smuggling activities last year.
"This year, we arrested 177 people involving 156 cases with seizures amounting to RM88.1 million.
"As for protected animals, we have detected 255 cases and arrested 293 people along with RM29 million worth of seizure," he said.
For controlled items, Azlin said 143 cases were recorded involving items such as cooking oil, diesel and petrol worth RM9.8 million seized last year.
"This year alone, a total of 109 cases were recorded with total goods value estimated at RM34.75 million.
"Seizures and the number of cases recorded this year increased due to the proactive operation carried out by the department to combat smuggling activities in this country," he said.
Azlin stressed that various parties play a role in curbing smuggling activities, especially petrol station owners nationwide.
"They need to take precautions and take strict action against irresponsible people who attempt to smuggle out oil to neighbouring countries," he said.
