The Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) through its enforcement division seized a massive haul of fireworks and cigarettes in three separate operations in Kampong Tanjung Bunut, Kampong Junjongan and Kampong Sungai Kebun recently, leading to the arrest of two locals and a foreigner.
A 38-year-old Indian national was detained for the possession of 16,932 packets and 871 sticks of fireworks and 44,100 packets of firecrackers during an operation in Kampong Tanjung Bunut on March 29, the RCED stated.
An operation on March 30 saw a 38-year-old local man arrested for the possession of 101 packets and 175 sticks of fireworks as well as seven boxes and 180 firecrackers.
Meanwhile the operation on April 1 in Kampong Sungai Kebun saw a 43-year-old local woman detained for the possession of 131 cartons and 214 packets of cigarettes, 14 packets as well as 97 sticks of firecrackers.
A total of BND3,688 suspected to be proceeds from the contraband sales and a mobile phone were also seized.
The suspects and the contraband were brought to the RCED’s enforcement office for investigation.
The department reminded the public that the possession of contraband is an offence under Section 140 of the Customs Order 2006 or Section 146 of the Excise Order 2006. – James Kon
