Magistrate Nur Eleana binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Hairol Arni recently fined a 22-year-old local man BND89,000 for two charges of possessing contraband cigarettes.
Muhammad Hisham Rizal bin Abdullah would have to serve 29 months’ imprisonment in default of payment.
The Customs prosecutor revealed that the offences were uncovered during two enforcement operations conducted by Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) officers at the defendant’s residence in Kampong Mulaut Kilanas.
The first incident occurred on February 29, 2022, at 9pm, when officers seized 22 cartons and six packets of various cigarette brands.
The second incident took place on July 14, 2022, at 7.28pm, with the seizure of 65 cartons and nine packets of assorted cigarette brands.
The court also ordered the cigarettes to be forfeited and destroyed, while cash seized during the raids forfeited to the state. – Fadley Faisal
