A 42-year-old permanent resident was fined BND5,000 by the Kuala Belait Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to possessing smuggled cigarettes.
Chong Jih Chau would have to serve five months’ jail in default of payment of the fine.
According to the Customs prosecutor, Chong was caught at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post in Kuala Belait on April 6, 2023, at 11.28am.
Officers from the Customs Control Post conducted the arrest after discovering six cartons and 19 sticks of various types of cigarettes in his possession without valid authorisation.
Acting Senior Magistrate Dewi Norlelawati binti Haji Abdul Hamid ordered the cigarettes forfeited for destruction. – FADLEY FAISAL
