Negri Sembilan Customs director Muhammad Ilyas Queek Abdullah (middle) and his men showing some of the contraband that was seized in the three operations.
SEREMBAN: The Customs Department has foiled attempts to smuggle in and distribute contraband beers and cigarettes worth some RM5mil in three operations in Selangor, says its Negri Sembilan chief Muhammad Ilyas Queek Abdullah.
Muhammad Ilyas said in the first operation, his men had inspected a truck at a residential area in Jenjarom and found 5,280 of 500ml beer cans inside.
"The beers did not have tax stamps and were believed to have been smuggled in.
"The contraband and the lorry, which had false registration plates, were subsequently impounded," he said in a statement.
He said following the operation, his men raided a godown in the same area and found 26,328 beer cans kept in a container.
The beer cans were also believed to have been smuggled in as they did not carry the required tax stamps.
He said the seized contraband, including the unpaid taxes and the lorry were estimated to be worth some RM600,000.
"We believe the modus operandi of the syndicate was to make a false declaration when bringing in the contraband.
"They will then use lorries to distribute and sell the beers in the local market," he said.
Muhammad Ilyas said in the third operation, his men raided a godown in Taman Perindustrian Puchong and seized 287,500 cigarette packs of which the relevant taxes had not been paid.
The contraband cigarettes were estimated to be worth some RM4.4mil, inclusive of unpaid duties.
"Again, the modus operandi of the syndicate is to smuggle in the cigarettes without following the proper procedures and then store them at a godown before selling them locally," he said.
All three cases, he said, were being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) and (e) of the Customs Act 1967 and Section 74(1)(a) of the Excise Act 1976.
Both provisions carry a fine of not less than 10 times the amount of the duty or RM100,000, whichever is higher; and not more than 20 times the amount of the duty or RM500,000, whichever is higher; or to imprisonment between six months and five years, or both, upon conviction.
He expressed hope the public would continue to help the department to put a stop to such activities.
"Smuggling not only leads to loss in revenue for the country but also poses a threat to national security and the wellbeing of the people.
Muhammad Illyas said the public can provide information to the department by calling their toll free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
The identities of the informants will be kept confidential.
