PULAU INDAH: Three containers filled with more than four million illicit cigarettes bound for Australia have been intercepted by the Customs Department.
Customs Department Central Zone Enforcement director Wong Pun Sian said between May 26 and June 7, his personnel detected the three containers at West Port, Port Klang.
"Checks revealed that the three containers were declared as consolidated cargo and kitchenware and were headed to Australia.
"When the containers were opened, the cigarettes were hidden behind the other declared cargo," he told reporters at Wisma Kastam, Pulau Indah on Thursday.
He said they seized 4,112,200 cigarette sticks worth RM328,976 with unpaid duties worth at least RM2.74mil.
"The containers originated from a neighbouring country," he said.
Meanwhile, Wong said on June 15, his personnel detected another suspicious container at North Port.
"The contents were declared as wet tissues but when the container was opened, we found 21,840 litres of beer.
"Checks revealed the beer was worth RM87,360 with RM752,001.60 in unpaid taxes," he said.
Wong said that they have called four individuals to help with further investigations into these cases.
He said the investigation for these cases was still ongoing under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
"The Customs Department calls on the public to cooperate by channelling information related to any smuggling activities by contacting the Customs toll-free line at 1800 88 8855 or go to the nearest Customs office," he said.
