Bandar Seri Begawan - The Marine Police on Monday foiled an attempt by smugglers to bring contraband consisting of alcohol, cigarettes, chicken wings and beef lungs stored in three separate boats into the Sultanate via the waterway connecting Brunei to Malaysia.

The boats were discovered by Marine Police personnel during a routine patrol on the Brunei River. When the police tried to stop the boats for inspection, the smugglers sped away.

The police gave chase and during the pursuit, the smugglers dumped the contraband overboard, which was then quickly retrieved by the police as evidence for an investigation.

The contraband items were comprised of 58 cans of beer, 52 cartons of cigarettes, four packets of dubious chicken wings and a packet of dubious beef lungs. The smugglers managed to escape.

The case is being referred to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further investigation.

In connection to the case, the Royal Brunei Police Force has advise the public to continue to provide any information on illegal activities in the Sultanate.

The Marine Police will continue to work with the Royal Customs and Excise Department and other agencies in regards to the monitoring and prevention of smuggling activities.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin