JOHOR BARU: RM9.45mil worth of contraband cigarettes stored at a warehouse in Kulai have been seized, the Johor Customs Department’s biggest bust of the year so far.
Carton upon carton of cigarettes, some of which were soggy and stained, were found in boxes covered by sheets of canvas during a raid on July 23, said department director Sazali Mohamad.
“The boxes containing the cigarette cartons were wrapped in coloured plastic bags and stacked side by side.
“We believe the items were brought into Johor from neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia, by sea due to the wet stains on them,” he told a press conference at the department’s headquarters here yesterday.
The estimated value of the items before tax was RM3.8mil while the rest of the RM9.45mil value came from tax and duties, he said.
In a separate case, Sazali said a 26-year-old car accessory shop employee was arrested for having in his possession 3,840 cans of beer.
“The suspect, who transported the contraband items as a part-time job, could not produce an invoice, Customs forms or import permit for the beverages as requested by department personnel.
“He was charged at the Johor Baru Magistrate’s Court on July 27, where he claimed trial,” he said.
