James Kon
The Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED), through its Law Enforcement Division, detained four individuals found in possession of contraband in its latest operation on Tuesday targetting two locations.
According to the RCED, enforcement personnel detained two male citizens aged 52 and 62 and a female citizen aged 61 for allegedly possessing contraband, comprising 69 cartons, 682 packets and 31 sticks of cigarettes of various brands, 10 boxes of fireworks and cash worth BND3,578.50, SGD6 and SAR5 believed to be proceeds from the sales of contraband.
Meanwhile on the same day, customs enforcement officers raided a house in Kampong Perpindahan Seria, detaining a female permanent resident aged 74 for allegedly possessing seven packets of cigarettes and 342 litres of hard liquor (tuak).
The suspects and seized evidence were brought to the law enforcement office for further investigation.
The RCED urged the public to comply with the Sultanate’s laws and regulations, and to avoid smuggling contraband or bringing in prohibited goods without permission from the agencies as the offences are punishable under Section 146 of the Excise Oder 2006.
To provide information on smuggling activities, the public can contact the RCED at 8714422, 8721422 or visit its offices. The department reassured that the identity of each informant will be kept confidential.
