JOHOR BARU: Police have uncovered a stash of untaxed chewing tobacco worth more than RM100,000 during a joint operation with Customs in Seri Alam, here.
Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the raid took place on Wednesday (March 19) between 8.55am and 4pm at premises located at Jalan Lembah 18, Bandar Baru Seri Alam, Masai.
He said police seized a total of 1,238 packets of chewing tobacco, believed to have been smuggled without paying duties.
The estimated value of the confiscated tobacco amounts to RM146,527.
"During the inspection, the premises were found to be storing and distributing untaxed chewing tobacco.
“A 64-year-old local man was arrested for his involvement in the illegal distribution of these products, which were primarily sold to Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers in Johor," he said in a statement here on Thursday.
Additionally, a lorry used to transport and distribute the smuggled goods was also seized, with an estimated value of RM60,000.
The total value of the seizure stands at RM206,527.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for the possession and distribution of untaxed goods.
"Police will continue to crack down on the storage and distribution of untaxed goods and warn those involved to cease such activities as they result in financial losses to the country.
“We urge the public to provide any information on such illegal activities to help preserve national security and public order," ACP Mohd Sohaimi added.
