The Magistrate’s Court today ordered a 26-year-old local man to settle a fine of BND42,600 after pleading guilty to possessing smuggled cigarettes and vape products.
Mohammad Syafiq Safwan bin Mohammad Jafar would have to serve 14 months’ jail in default of payment of the fine.
Senior Magistrate Dewi Norlelawati Haji Abdul Hamid heard from the Customs prosecutor that the defendant was arrested during an operation conducted by Royal Customs and Excise officers at a residence in RPN Panchor Mengkubau on June 25.
Officers found him in possession of 53 cartons and one packet of various cigarettes, as well as two vape pods, all smuggled, contravening Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006.
The court ordered all seized cigarettes and vape items forfeited to the Government for disposal.