A suspected cigarette smuggler managed to evade arrest after abandoning his vehicle and fleeing into nearby bushes when authorities attempted to intercept him in Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan.
The dramatic incident unfolded at around 2.30pm on Monday when a patrol team from the General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion 8 spotted a suspicious vehicle in Kampung Pulau Ular.
According to GOF Southeast Brigade commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain, the driver became aware that he was being monitored and immediately sped off towards Kampung Kok Pauh in an attempt to escape.
However, the suspect eventually abandoned the vehicle near a bushy area before fleeing on foot. Security personnel launched a search operation and attempted to track him down, but the suspect managed to disappear into the surrounding vegetation.
A subsequent inspection of the abandoned vehicle uncovered boxes filled with smuggled cigarettes hidden inside the boot.
Authorities seized a total of 3,000 sticks of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of RM5,610.
Initial investigations suggest the cigarettes were smuggled from Thailand and intended for distribution in the Kota Bharu market. Cross-border cigarette smuggling remains a persistent challenge in northern Peninsular Malaysia due to strong demand for cheaper untaxed tobacco products.
The seized cigarettes and vehicle were handed over to the Customs Department for further action and investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which covers offences involving the possession and transportation of smuggled goods.
