IPOH: The Customs Department has seized over half a million ringgit worth of hard liquor at the Integrated Customs Inspection Centre (ICIC) in Port Klang, Selangor.
Perak Customs director Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mohamad said they conducted a raid at the ICIC and found the hard liquor in boxes at at about 12.30pm on Dec 28.
Abdul Ghafar said about 2,880 litres of hard liquor in 3,840 bottles were seized, believed to be worth about RM515,000.
"The Pengkalan Hulu Customs branch led the raid and thwarted the attempt to smuggle in the hard liquor.
"We also arrested a 38-year-old local man," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 3).
Abdul Ghafar said the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act, which is punishable under Section 135(1)(v)(aa) of the same Act.
"First offenders can be fined up to 20 times the value of the items seized or RM500,000 whichever is higher, or jailed up to five years, or both," he said.
He also said that Customs has found that cigarettes and hard liquor are being brought into the country illegally and widely sold online.
Abdul Ghafar urged the people to assist Customs to combat the smuggling of cigarettes, hard liquor, fireworks, drugs and cars.
"The people are advised not to be involved with such activities. Smuggling will cause the country to suffer financial losses and pose a threat to the country and its people," he said.
"Those with information can contact the Customs toll-free line at 1-800 88 8855 or come forward to the nearest Customs office in all states," he said.
