Magistrate Hajah Normazdina binti Haji Md Maskub on Tuesday ordered Bangladeshi man Sohel Sikder to settle a fine of BND59,000 or serve 23 months’ jail in default of payment of the fine for possessing smuggled cigarettes and alcohol.
The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of various types of cigarettes and assorted alcoholic beverages.
The Customs prosecutor outlined the facts, revealing that a joint operation by the Royal Brunei Police Force Tutong Branch and Royal Customs and Excise Department enforcement officers on November 16, led to the defendant’s arrest at an industrial site in Telisai, Tutong.
A search of the premises uncovered 63 cartons of assorted cigarettes, 43 bottles of various alcoholic beverages, and a mobile phone. The items were seized and ordered forfeited to the state. – FADLEY FAISAL
