Smugglers find it difficult to stay afloat

In an attempt to evade the authorities smugglers have been reduced to throwing contraband cigarettes into the waters around parts of Malaysia in the hope that they will be picked up by their local partners, according to a story in The Star.

Southern Region Two marine police assistant commander Paul Khiu Khon Chiang said his men had stumbled on the latest tactic when about RM181,400 worth of illicit cigarettes were found floating in Mersing waters.

Following this find, a special operation was launched that yielded more than 18,000 packs of illicit cigarettes from the waters between Pulau Rimau and Pulau Setindan.

The packs were wrapped in plastic sheet to keep them dry.

“We believe that syndicates are now finding it more difficult to smuggle items into Malaysia and are looking for new ways to avoid detection,” Khiu told reporters in Johor Baru on July 24.

“We believe that there is a demand for illicit cigarettes, especially among locals, because they are cheaper than the brands available here.”