A 32-year-old man who hails from China was fined BND14,800 after pleading guilty to possessing cigarettes without a valid permit upon arrival in Brunei Darussalam.
Li Xiyin would have to serve 13 months’ jail in default of payment of the fine.Magistrate Muhammad Qamarul Affyian Abdul Rahman, sitting in at the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate’s Court on February 25, heard from the Customs prosecutor that the offence occurred on February 24 at about 6.20am at the Arrival Hall of Brunei International Airport, where customs examination officers conducted inspections.A total of 14 cartons and eight packets of assorted cigarettes were found in his possession.
He was charged under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006 for possessing cigarettes without lawful authority.
All seized cigarettes were ordered forfeited to the Government for disposal.