The Magistrate’s Court handed a BND281,500 fine to a 30-year-old local man yesterday after he pleaded guilty to smuggling large quantities of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
Mohammad Kaerol Sharol bin Abdullah would have to serve 36 months’ jail if he fails to pay the fine.
The case stemmed from an incident on January 25, at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post in Kuala Belait, where customs officers apprehended the defendant. During the search, officers discovered 335 cartons of assorted cigarettes and 720 cans of various alcoholic drinks.
Mohammad Kaerol Sharol was charged under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order, 2006. He pleaded guilty to both charges.
Acting Senior Magistrate Dewi Norlelawati binti Haji Abdul Hamid ordered the cigarettes and alcohol destroyed, while a vehicle used in the smuggling operation forfeited. – Fadley Faisal
